Events during September 2023

If you're interested in blood groups, blood group serology, transfusion or just want to know "what the hell is Kell?" then this talk is for you...

This presentation on the Kell Blood group system will cover the following;

An entertaining overview of the Kell blood group system
Structure, function and molecular background of the most well-known Kell blood group system antigens
Clinical significance of antibodies to Kell blood group system antigens
The association with the Kx blood group system
Interesting facts about the lesser known Kell Blood group system antigens

vWF Guideline Update

CRYOSTAT 2 trial

Diphtheria is a potentially fatal disease caused by strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, C. ulcerans or C. pseudotubercolosis that express the diphtheria toxin. It can present as a respiratory infection or as non-healing skin wounds. Diphtheria was historically most likely to be caused by C. diphtheriae. It is very rare in England (typically <10 cases per year) due to a successful routine immunisation programme. However, there has been a recent gradual increase in cases over several years, particularly cutaneous infections and those caused by toxigenic C. ulcerans strains (which can be carried by household pets).

In 2022, there was a particulary large increase in diphtheria in England, with 87 cases and 3 deaths. This included 72 toxigenic C. diphtheriae infections in asylum seekers, thought to be aquired during their travel to the UK. Symptoms ranged from severe respiratory diphtheria to cutaneous infections and asymptomatic carriage. Similar increases of C. diphtheriae infections in travelling migrants have been seen in several European countries. Some of these isolates are multidrug resistant, including to macrolides, the default recommendation for treatment, and this will require careful monitoring.

Changing and expanding roles in Cellular Pathology

Many of us have diagnosed, treated or researched Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) for many years and probably know the organism and the disease it produces very well indeed. But how well do we really know it? In truth, we only know this from our own perspective. What is it really like to suffer from CDI? How well do the pathways and guidance we contribute to function in the experience patients?

This talk will focus on patient experiences of CDI, what they can teach us as clinicians and researchers and why involving patients and the public in designing our research and clinical services can help everyone.

Help, nothing compatible

The session will provide an overview of the qualifications that the IBMS offers in those who are carving out a career in Histopathology after they have achieved their specialist level qualification. It will outline the DEP and ASD in Histological Dissection, DEP in Immunocytochemistry and the ASD in Histopathology Reporting qualifications and other related qualifications.

It will explain who these qualifications are aimed and provide an outline of how they are assessed, how candidates can achieve these qualifications and what roles successful candidates can go on to undertake.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is one of the most dangerous complications associated with assisted conception using invitro fertilisation (IVF). If not managed appropriately it can even lead to death of the women developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Clinical Biochemistry aids significantly in the diagnosis and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

This presentation aims to summarise the role of various biochemical parameters that are used routinely in the diagnosis and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

What is ISO 22367 and how can it help the laboratory comply with the risk requirements of ISO15189