Events in 2023

The aim for this session is to carry on with the patient’s journey to final diagnosis. This presentation will discuss how the valuable material obtained from ROSE clinics are utilised in making a diagnosis and provide prognostic/treatment related information.

With the use of a number of examples, this presentation will illustrate how cytology impacts on patient’s management pathway, and how a standardised reporting system could be useful in unifying diagnostic pathways and performing future work on audit and quality improvement.

Finally, the strengths and limitations of head and neck cytology from the perceptive of a histo/cytopathologist will be discussed

IIF and Artificial Intelligence

Cell blocks from Diagnostic Cytopathology (DC) samples have always had value in the diagnostic process as a complement to the traditional cytology stains – Papanicolaou and Romanowsky. It has become more important to provide material for Immunocytochemistry to refine malignant diagnosis, and more recently, the use of molecular testing to aid in the choice of tailored chemotherapy regimens. If this information can be obtained from DC samples, which are less invasive than biopsy samples, the patient will benefit.

External Quality Assurance of cell block preparations has up to now been covered by the Tissue Diagnostic scheme. However, this is not entirely appropriate as cytopathology departments use a variety of cell block preparation methods and fixatives. The increase in number of cell block Haematoxylin and Eosin slides submitted to our evaluation service and the queries we receive regarding advice on best preparation methods suggested there was a need for a separate scheme for evaluation of cell blocks. A circulated survey indicated that there is a need for such a scheme. In response to this we performed 2 pilot studies which were well supported and successful, leading to the launch of the live scheme in April 2023.

This presentation covers the development of the scheme and the results of the 2 pilots. As an ongoing process the scheme will be able to garner information about ‘best methods’ and this can be passed on to laboratories experiencing problems and improve standards. UKNEQAS CPT is not just a ‘tick box’ service for UKAS, it is also an advisory service which aims to improve diagnostic practices.

Clinical Liaison Role in Wales – an update on the journey so far

Your career in Clinical Biochemistry: IBMS qualifications and the role of the Advisory Panel

Join your network workforce leads/practice educators for a solution focused discussion around workforce challenges. Find out about current education and development opportunities with specific emphasis on support workers, advanced clinical practice and leadership. We welcome your participation in helping to shape the future of your pathology workforce.

You are invited by the speakers to complete this online form before the presentation

Amyloidosis is disease caused by extracellular deposition in the tissues of abnormal protein in a characteristic fibrillar form known as amyloid. Early and correct diagnosis is essential so that patients benefit from appropriate and timely treatment.

The presentation will highlight the need for rigour in the demonstration of amyloid, new techniques, research, diagnosis and treatment.

This interactive presentation will discuss general demonstration techniques, troubleshooting, and how to make the best out of the feedback you receive from your UK NEQAS CPT Results reports. The content will also cover – how to manage SOPs, importance of understanding mechanisms of action and uses of stains, recording, monitoring, and trending of IQC failures and use of UK NEQAS CPT resources to help improve staining.

There will also be an opportunity for delegates to join in and score examples of stained slides against the UK NEQAS CPT assessment criteria.

Polio – why has it reappeared?

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.