Events during September 2023
CONGRESS 2023 - Introduction to the UKAS ISO 15189:2022 transition (Tuesday)
26/09/2023
This session provides an overview of the key changes to the ISO 15189 standard and explains the UKAS transition process including deadlines and actions to be taken by accredited organisations.
The same session is being run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to ensure as many delegates as possible are able to attend.
The same session is being run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to ensure as many delegates as possible are able to attend.
CONGRESS 2023 - Using accreditation to support the validity of test results: pre-examination requirements of ISO 15189:2022
26/09/2023
Using accreditation to support the validity of test results: pre-examination requirements of ISO 15189:2022
CONGRESS 2023 - Using accreditation to support the validity of test results: validation and verification requirements of ISO 15189:2022
26/09/2023
The principles of validation and verification have long been established and laboratories are generally familiar with these although there remain some issues which are commonly seen within verification reports during assessments. Some of these require some further attention and discussion, including consideration of sample type, verification across multiple sites and approaches used when upgrading analysers. Alongside these common issues, ISO 15189:2022 has now been issued with assessments to become mandatory to the new standard from January 2024 and whilst the principles of validation and verification are generally unchanged, there are some differences which will require review of internal procedures and approaches to verification. Awareness of these changes will form a part of the presentation, along with issues commonly seen, being hoped these will promote some thought as to how laboratories can consider the local approaches used.
CONGRESS 2023 - Pathology Network Accreditation
26/09/2023
Pathology services across the UK are increasingly working together as formal or informal networks, to support improved patient care.
This session provides an overview of accreditation options and considerations for pathology networks.
This session provides an overview of accreditation options and considerations for pathology networks.
CONGRESS 2023 - ISO 15189:2022 and the impact upon delivery and maintenance of effective quality management within Point of Care Testing
26/09/2023
ISO15189:2012 had reached its periodic review date and there was international consensus that it needed revision. The new version was published on 6th December 2022 and there are some key changes which include an emphasis on a patient-focused approach and to promote the welfare of patients - i.e. putting the patient at the heart of the service. There is also more emphasis on a risk-based approach to the Quality Management system. In addition, ISO 22870 (POCT) has been incorporated into ISO 15189:2022.
This presentation will review POCT definitions, highlight key considerations for currently accredited POCT services and also for organisations considering applying for accreditation to include (or extend) POCT in their scope.
POCT is referenced implicitly throughout ISO 15189:2022 and with additional distinct requirements as an Annex A.
The presentation will discuss generic POCT services, and highlight considerations on both current POCT services and also emphasise considerations for planning new POCT services, and that overall, when compared with ISO 22870:2016, things have not changed as much as one would think. Principles are similar, and POCT could even be considered as another specialty within pathology, regardless of where it is or managed from.
This presentation will review POCT definitions, highlight key considerations for currently accredited POCT services and also for organisations considering applying for accreditation to include (or extend) POCT in their scope.
POCT is referenced implicitly throughout ISO 15189:2022 and with additional distinct requirements as an Annex A.
The presentation will discuss generic POCT services, and highlight considerations on both current POCT services and also emphasise considerations for planning new POCT services, and that overall, when compared with ISO 22870:2016, things have not changed as much as one would think. Principles are similar, and POCT could even be considered as another specialty within pathology, regardless of where it is or managed from.
CONGRESS 2023 - Post-pandemic respiratory viral infections in hospitals
26/09/2023
Post-pandemic respiratory viral infections in hospitals
CONGRESS 2023 - Emerging arthropod-borne viral threats to the UK
26/09/2023
Globally, arthropod-borne viral diseases represent one the of greatest threats to public and animal health. Vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks and midges transmit a vast range of viruses. For the UK, historically free of many arthropod-borne pathogens, events in mainland Europe have had a profound impact on the risk of disease emergence and this trend will continue. Mosquito-borne viruses provide an example of this process where the introduction of exotic species, such as the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) across much of Europe, has increased the risk of emergence of human pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya fever. This mosquito species has also been detected in southern England.
In recent decades there has been a dramatic increase in the distribution of zoonotic viruses such as West Nile and Usutu in mainland Europe that are making the introduction of these pathogens through short distance bird migration increasingly likely. This has been realised with the repeated detection of Usutu virus in Central London during the late summer months since 2020. In the absence of vaccines against many of these viruses, early detection linked to public awareness campaigns offer the best options for mitigating the impact of these threats.
In recent decades there has been a dramatic increase in the distribution of zoonotic viruses such as West Nile and Usutu in mainland Europe that are making the introduction of these pathogens through short distance bird migration increasingly likely. This has been realised with the repeated detection of Usutu virus in Central London during the late summer months since 2020. In the absence of vaccines against many of these viruses, early detection linked to public awareness campaigns offer the best options for mitigating the impact of these threats.
CONGRESS 2023 - Eco-epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis virus in the UK
26/09/2023
Eco-epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis virus in the UK
CONGRESS 2023 - The changing epidemiology of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)
26/09/2023
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is the most widely distributed hard tick-borne disease in the world.
Different factors, such as a better knowledge of the disease, but also trade, modifications of the migratory bird routes and, probably, the climate change are favouring its increase.
The example of the emergence in Spain will be reviewed.
Different factors, such as a better knowledge of the disease, but also trade, modifications of the migratory bird routes and, probably, the climate change are favouring its increase.
The example of the emergence in Spain will be reviewed.
CONGRESS 2023 - Wellbeing in healthcare
26/09/2023
Leadership wellbeing is about cultivating an environment of care, for others around you but also importantly for yourself.
Taking an active approach on wellbeing leads to better communication, efficiency and ultimately higher performance. It has a huge impact on staff retention, allowing staff to feel seen and understood, and giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity. Wellbeing starts with self-reflection to understand individual obstacles. Creating a space to identify these, allows the member to respond appropriately, thereby not reacting immediately.
Discussing some helpful tips and taking part in a few activities, we hope that members will take some of these useful tools to their own areas to use.
Taking an active approach on wellbeing leads to better communication, efficiency and ultimately higher performance. It has a huge impact on staff retention, allowing staff to feel seen and understood, and giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity. Wellbeing starts with self-reflection to understand individual obstacles. Creating a space to identify these, allows the member to respond appropriately, thereby not reacting immediately.
Discussing some helpful tips and taking part in a few activities, we hope that members will take some of these useful tools to their own areas to use.
Page 8 of 28