Events in 2023

Explanation of the various serological and molecular techniques that are available to identify novel blood groups. Discussing how these cases may present within the hospital and RCI labortories through to publication and ratification at the International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Changing and expanding roles in Cellular Pathology

In this presentation, Imran Jabbar, will delve into the crucial topic of measuring human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). With a focus on trophoblastic tumours, Imran will explore the significance of hCG as a diagnostic and monitoring tool in GTD. The presentation will cover the principles behind hCG measurement techniques, including immunoassays and molecular methods.

Imran will highlight the challenges and advancements in accurately quantifying hCG levels, and discuss their clinical implications. Attendees will gain insights into the role of hCG measurement in early detection, disease monitoring, and prognostic evaluation, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes in GTD management.

Overview of Governance and Escalation of Persistent Poor Performers," we will be discussing the governance structure of EQA in the UK, as well as poor performance and escalation. We will provide three examples and encourage audience participation

Interpretation of ISAC

This presentation is based on a case study used for a portfolio of Higher Specialist Diploma awarded by the IBMS. The presentation will look at how blood cultures taken on admission helped with diagnosis and appropriate treatment of a patient. It will also go in to brief detail on the organism isolated, Streptobacillus moniliformis.

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.

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