Events in 2023

COVID – current issues

Next-generation molecular diagnostics: Leveraging digital technologies to enhance multiplexing in real-time PCR

The presentation provides an overview on the technology and analytical performance of a new true molecular point of care testing system without need for upfront specimen preparation, and the potential benefits resulting from its use at the point of care. The presentation also discusses key aspects to be considered prior to implementation at the point of care

In 2022 the unthinkable happened - NHSBT was forced to declare an Amber Alert for red cells in England. But does that tell the whole story? This presentation will briefly examine the build-up to the shortage declaration but also consider its impact, provide evidence of the response within hospitals and consider the opportunities for future change in practices.

This presentation will focus on the PD-L1 clones used for the different indications, acceptable and not acceptable tests, and the importance of ideal controls.

Delegates attending this presentation will:

Receive an overview of PD-L1 EQA assessments carried out by UK NEQAS ICC & ISH
Gain a better understanding of the UK NEQAS PD-L1 schemes and how assessments are carried out.

The requirement of extensive and complex testing on cytology samples is widely and routinely recognised. ROSE performed by scientists in the clinical setting provides a standardised, clinically effective, reproducible methodology for a variety of anatomical sites, some of which cytology is the only modality for sampling.

Real-time adequacy assessment eliminates the need for more invasive or repeat procedures by ensuring sufficient cell yield is obtained to conduct all the tests required for ancillary and molecular testing. This streamlines the patient pathway by reducing the referral to treatment time and reduces waiting list pressures, resulting in cost reduction for healthcare trusts and improved patient care and outcomes.

The presentation will explore the new IBMS ROSE qualification with the aim to inspire scientists to become skilled in ROSE.

This presentation will include how her career progressed to a Point of Care Testing (POCT) role in the Wales Specialist Virology Centre. It will also cover what POCT is; the method of testing, who gets tested and why POCT is crucial in the efforts to achieve the WHO initiative to eliminate Hepatitis C in Wales.

Examples of what a day-in-the-life of a "POCT-er" consists of: mass screening projects, case studies, what has been learnt from testing in prison and in the community (homeless shelters and substance misuse services). The future of POCT: what's on the horizon?

Head and Neck cancers account for approximately 3% of new cancer incidence in the United Kingdom (UK). The use of ultrasound guided fine needle aspirations within head and neck ultrasound, has become a vital resource for cancer diagnosis. Historically, it was common for head and neck patients requiring a fine needle aspiration, to have an insufficient tissue sample from their initial examination, leading to patient re-call for repeat investigation. Subsequently, this negatively impacted upon the patient pathway by delaying cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The utilisation of Rapid on-site Evaluation (ROSE) has proven to transform the diagnostic pathway by negating the need for repeat examinations and therefore improving the rate at which patients are diagnosed and treated.

This presentation focuses on the achievements that have been accomplished through great collaborative working between radiology and cytology within head and neck and the consequent patient benefits. It includes a summary of how the ROSE service has grown at Royal Cornwall Hospital to include the Cornwall ROSE research pilot and the values this has brought to the population.

Case studies will be included as examples of where ROSE has been paramount to a swift diagnosis.

Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of working with ROSE will be discussed from a sonographer's viewpoint, highlighting the potential pitfalls.



References

1. Head and neck cancers statistics | Cancer Research UK [Internet]. [cited 2023 May 26]. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/head-and-neck-cancers#heading-Zero

2. Breeze J, Poller DN, Gibson D, Tilley EA, Cooke L, Soar E, et al. Rapid on-site assessment of specimens by biomedical scientists improves the quality of head and neck fine needle aspiration cytology. Cytopathology. 2013 Oct;n/a-n/a.

3. Medina Chamorro FM, Calle JA, Stein JE, Merchancano L, Mendoza Briñez AM, Pulido Wilches AA. Experience of the Implementation of Rapid On-Site Evaluation in Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 2018 Jul;47(4):220–4.

4. Aly AK, Ali MA, Sharma A, Gubbels MA, Zhao X, Ahmed A, et al. Rapid On-site Evaluation (ROSE) for Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid: Is It Helpful? SciMed J. 2021 Mar 1;3(1):1–7.

In recent years, healthcare policy has been moving towards the concept of patients being able to receive their pathology test results directly, it is likely that pathology providers may need to consider the communication of some laboratory test results directly to patients.

This is a very different group of people to what pathology providers are used to. Expansion of concepts such as reference intervals and what is significant need to be explored in the context of a more general audience.

Who lives in a papaya under the sea? SpongeBob Alloadsorption Pants! A Transfusion Laboratory Perspective of AIHA