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This presentation will cover a case study completed as part of the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Immunology in 2022. It will be of interest to anyone considering completing the Higher Specialist Diploma in Immunology, or anyone who would like to learn more about the case study element. It will also be of interest to anyone who would like to learn more about the protocols used for reading and reporting methods including immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, serum protein electrophoresis and immunotyping, serum free light chains and Bence Jones protein analysis at Greater Manchester Immunology Service (GMIS).

The case is one of an elderly gentleman with who, like roughly a third of new myeloma cases in the UK, presented through A&E. The presentation will cover pre-analysis, analysis and post-analysis, considering how the tests performed in the Immunology laboratory assist in the differential diagnosis and where they fit in with the other tests ordered, both tests within and outside of the Immunology discipline. The presentation will cover the methods performed at GMIS and some of the reporting protocols, as well as discussing some of the relevant associated guidelines.

Immunology online Specialist Diploma programme

Antimicrobial resistance is a major concern with mortality rates growing exponentially. Current ASTs used clinically can take 24-48hrs to report results, ensuing in initial treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics. The novel iFAST method can report results within 2 hours of exposure to an antibiotic. The main objective of this study was to measure the impedance signal of resistant and sensitive isolates of Staphylococcus aureus that had been exposed to cefoxitin. Sequentially collected bacterial isolates were accessed from the clinical microbiology laboratory to determine susceptibility.

50 methicillin resistant/sensitive isolates of S. aureus were taken from the middle of the clinical workflow and tested on the iFAST. The isolates were streaked onto blood plates and incubated at 37 degrees for 2 hours. The bacteria were then exposed to cefoxitin for 2 hours at the EUCAST breakpoint concentration of 8mg/L. Following exposure, the samples were measured on the iFAST.

The impedance cytometer measures the electrical signal of bacterial cells as they individually flow through a microfluidic channel, via electrodes driven by an AC current of multiple frequencies. This is interpreted as a read-out of cell volume and opacity. Exposure to antibiotics can change the electrical characteristics of the bacterial cell in size and opacity compared to the control sample. The number of exposed cells within the contour defined by the control sample can measure how the cells have altered in opacity and size following exposure.

iFAST results showed 100% concordance with disk diffusion sensitivity testing carried out by the clinical laboratory. The data showed different electrical impedance changes for both resistant and sensitive strains of S. aureus. Sensitive strains showed a decrease in cell size and resistant strains showed an increase in cell size following exposure to cefoxitin.

The bacterial impedance cytometer was able to rapidly differentiate between MRSA and MSSA isolates in concordance with current susceptibility testing in the clinical setting. The results help to show how the iFAST could reduce the time taken to provide critical and accurate antibiotic treatment to patients.

Reporting haemovigilance incidents is vital to the ongoing learning from errors and improvements of quality management systems in transfusion. It is a statutory reguirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (2005) (as amended) and the data collected is used by both MHRA and SHOT to analyse and demonstrate key learning opportunities.

This presentation will give an overview of the legal requirements of the BSQR and the Good Practice Guide. Common isnspection findings will be presented and practical learning from SABRE reports will be shown. Common issues associated from reports received will be discussed and tips given as to how to improve the reporting of haemovigilance data.

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.

Following on from a talk given last year on the Precision AMR Project, this presentation will look at the incorporation of WGS and genotypic methods vs phenotypic methods and how they can impact on diagnostic laboratory practices, antibiotic reporting and prescribing.

This presentation follows on from the research on the Precision AMR project and discusses how this can be translated into routine practice. Also looking at potential new workflows that may be incorporated into laboratory's to support clinicians and infection control.

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.

There is a tendency to promote staff into supervisory roles and then allow them to find their feet on their own as the are faced with managing staff and taking on more responsibility. Departments tend to be very good and training these supervisors on how to perform tasks such as rotas, overtime payments, etc. but assume they have the necessary skills to mage and lead staff.

Often these supervisors look to role models from managers they have worked with or for and Tv (the apprentice, shudder) to help them developed their interpersonal skills. Sonic healthcare UK has recognized this as an opportunity to help with the development of all grades and has a novel training program to aid in supporting management and leadership skills. This will be discussed in this lecture.

The IBMS Certificates of Achievement are designed as gateway qualifications to reflect the training needs of people working as Assistant Practitioners or Associate Practitioners in laboratory services.

In this ‘show and tell’ session designed for trainees, training officers, training managers or laboratory managers, we will outline the structure of the Certificates of achievement and give some information on the support and guidance that the IBMS currently offer for completing both parts of this qualification. We will interactively explore how the resources available as a result of our recent collaboration with LearnSci can supplement the existing training matter you have in your laboratory, to help you scaffold and deliver engaging, supportive and enjoyable training experiences to those completing this qualification.

We will also canvass the views of everyone present in this talk to better understand the needs of each group and to gain insight into the resources and support that attendees would find useful, to help the IBMS drive the evolution of this qualification by ensuring it remains relevant and useful to practitioners.

Myositis