Events on 28 September 2023

Quality control in serology laboratory presentation, given at the IBMS London Branch Virology Discussion Group on 4th June 2019

The IBMS Biopod is a monthly podcast for members. Each episode will feature experts from the field discussing their research and talking about the latest developments.

Phadia Academy is an online learning platform by Thermo Fisher Scientific aimed at Lab staff primarily BMSes in Immunology Labs. It includes courses for autoimmune diseases, allergy, and our instruments. We would like to have it as a link on the IBMS webpage, as it was in previous years.

Allocated as Lecture/Study: 2h 15m
Allocated as Practical Element: 1h 00m
Allocated as Q&A/Discussion: 1h 15m

IBMS Congress 2023 is an important forum for progressing your professional skills and knowledge, supporting career development and promoting the profession.

Full Hands-on Practical Microtomy Training course.

Microtomy is a skill that requires training and practice. The course is practical and hands-on for anyone who desire to work in histopathology department.

25-27th September 2023
2- 4th October 2023
9-11th October 2023
18-20th October 2023

Delegates will understand:

What is a quality culture.
Importance of obtaining and maintaining ISO accreditation.
Maintaining and improving quality and compliance.
Key tips for supporting daily quality and compliance.

The advanced specialist diploma in dermatopathology reporting is fully supported by Health Education England and is a pioneering role which is helping to reduce the demand-capacity problems that currently exist within histopathology and specifically dermatopathology.

I am currently working as a consultant healthcare scientist as part of the histopathology reporting team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, specialising in dermatopathology

I was in the first cohort for Dermatopathology reporting and the first to be awarded the qualification. The qualification was developed jointly by the RCPath and the IBMS and has been designed to mirror that of the histopathology medical trainees with four stages A-D. There are two exams- one at the end of stage A and one at the end of stage C. Further, a portfolio of evidence is assessed at each stage in order to progress. To be eligible to apply for the qualification applicants must be a Member or Fellow of the IBMS, a HCPC registered biomedical or clinical scientist, with at least five years’ experience post-registration experience .

I began studying towards the advanced specialist diploma in dermatopathology reporting in November 2017 and successfully completed the qualification in February 2023.

My experience of training towards this qualification has been very positive and rewarding. It has been a difficult journey at times as the qualification is new, but now that it is established, many of the initial issues have been resolved. My role as a Consultant Healthcare Scientist reporter is now firmly established within the department and within the skin team at the hospital. I have excellent working relationships with my colleagues and feel supported and respected.

The session will provide an overview of the Histopathology Reporting qualifications outlining the success so far and then will focus on the new limited scope Reporting qualification for those involved in Cervical Screening. It will provide guidance on the eligibility criteria for this qualification, the portfolio requirements and the support needed by candidates from colleagues in order to undertake the qualification.

Training for Biomedical Scientists is a fast-growing field and has become a crucial factor in the efficiency of histopathology departments. It has many benefits from improving turnaround times, career progression and utilising Pathologist’s time more effectively. As more Biomedical Scientists are performing dissection the responsibility to teach, and train is down to the already practicing BMS dissectors rather than the Pathologists. It is imperative that training is performed correctly and suitably for the individuals, the patients, and the department as a whole. Many aspects need to be considered to deliver effective training and being fully prepared and organised for training can make the process a successful one.