Events in 2023

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.

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

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

A myositis-related autoantibody can now be identified in the majority of patients with myositis. They identify homogeneous patient subgroups and are key tools in developing a personalised approach to disease management. There is substantial clinical interest in exploiting myositis autoantibodies as biomarkers, and consequently, a large number of commercial assays have been developed for their detection. Several different commercial assays have now been developed to detect myositis relevant autoantibodies. Many have been developed with the practicalities of clinical practice in mind, offering rapid, affordable, and often multiplex testing. Despite this progress, the perfect system has yet to be realised.

Commercial testing systems do not detect all known myositis relevant autoantibodies and concerns have been raised about the sensitivity and specificity of some assays, including to their ability detect some autoantibodies strongly associated with malignancy and ILD; important causes of mortality and morbidity.

The advantages and disadvantages of different myositis autoantibody testing systems will be discussed. Evidence for the reliability of different types of assays in comparison to immunoprecipitation, as the reference standard, will be reviewed along with testing strategies that make the most of existing technology.

This presentation will give delegates attending an:

Overview of the pre-analytical processing pathway and potential risks associated with each stage.
Historical/current/prospective optimisation of the pre-analytical pathway.
Understanding of the near-future perspectives for standardisation-will technologies such image analysis and spatial profiling affect the practice of pathology laboratories.

There are complex regulatory changes taking place across the UK and the EU, which could have a significant impact on laboratory services. This session will cover what you need to know to keep on top of this and know what actions you should be taking for compliance.

It’s life, but not as we know it. Emerging parasitic diseases