Main programme
Scientific programme sponsor
Cellular Pathology
Disease models and quantitative pathology in liver research
Disease models and quantitative pathology in liver research
Cellular Pathology
Learning outcomes
This talk will:
- Introduce exemplar translational models of chronic liver disease, primary liver cancer, and liver regeneration that are used to understand their cellular and molecular basis and develop therapeutics.
- Describe emerging quantitative pathology methods that capitalise on the availability of whole-slide imaging and open-source tools for image analysis of tissue from translational models.
- Discuss the potential application of similar digital pathology methods in both clinical trials and routine diagnostic work.
Speakers
Dr Tim Kendall
Best practice - andrology
Recent advances in immunocytochemistry for melanoma diagnosis
Recent advances in immunocytochemistry for melanoma diagnosis
Cellular Pathology
Learning outcomes
Delegates will be given an overview of:
- The growing applications of new antibodies to assist with the diagnosis of malignant melanoma.
- An appreciation of where these new antibodies are likely to be used in the developing field of patient tailored therapeutics.
- An appreciation of the complementary role of histopathology, immunocytochemistry and molecular biology in modern day cellular pathology.
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) remains the deadliest form of skin cancer. It is well known that MM can be treated with surgery alone and survival rates are high, however after metastasis survival rates drop significantly. In histopathological interpretation morphological assessment of any melanocytic lesion is always key, but recent developments within the field of immunocytochemistry (IHC) have provided great support in aiding the distinction of the dysplastic verses malignant lesions. This does not just apply to the diagnosis, but also more recently in providing information regarding prognosis and determining patient therapeutics.
Unfortunately, at present these therapeutic regimes are often short term. As a result, new biomarkers and drug targets are constantly needed in order to develop and improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment.
In this presentation we will review the popularly used diagnostic markers (eg MelanA/Mart-1, HMB 45, MITFP, Tyrosinase), as well as also focus on the new markers employed (eg Sox10, PRAME, P16, Ki67) and include options for double labelling techniques too. We will consider the new wave of biomarkers employed to assess therapeutic target treatment regimens (eg BRAF and PD-1) and see how these new approaches are paving the way for new strategies in order to develop a more tailored approach to treatment modalities.
We are beginning to understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease, including melanogenesis, and also how melanomas evade the immune system. IHC continues to play its part in the field; although both useful in diagnosis and prognosis, there is a need to standardise the subjectivity of interpretation of IHC to ensure reproducibility and consistency between laboratories and also between pathologists. This becomes increasingly important as new biomarkers are found and assessed employing the evolution of digital technology.
Speakers
Dr Guy Orchard
The benefits of including pathology in multidisciplinary training days for forensic paediatric post–mortems
Clinical Chemistry
Monitoring asparaginase activity to inform treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
How will the challenges of the pandemic impact how we offer future Clinical Biochemistry services?
How will the challenges of the pandemic impact how we offer future Clinical Biochemistry services?
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
The COVID pandemic has caused massive global challenges logistically, emotionally and even personally to most of the world’s population. This added to the complexity of Brexit has resulted in challenges in keeping a biochemistry service running. Lean and just in time processes came under significant strain due to global shortages and blocks in the logistical chain, be it through lack of consumables, customs blocks and people not being available to provide services.
The pandemic also forced any businesses into a new way of working, healthcare included. This impacted how people interacted with accessing healthcare, staff availability and staff skill sets as departments managed new infection control requirements whilst maintaining the service. This now is an opportunity to build on these lessons and use these to remodel the service to align with the changes in the way healthcare is delivered.
Sponsored by
Speakers
Dr David Ricketts DBMS CSci FIBMS
Harveys Gang: From the lab to the ward
Harveys Gang: From the lab to the ward
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will be able to:
- Describe Harvey’s Gang project and its applications.
- Understand how laboratory chemistry can be incorporated into Harvey’s Gang project.
- Understand how laboratory methods demonstrated are used in the care of Harvey’s Gang patients.
- Explain examples of where laboratory chemistry has been demonstrated to Harvey’s Gang.
Sponsored by
Myeloma and plasma cell disorders – from the laboratory to the clinic
Myeloma and plasma cell disorders – from the laboratory to the clinic
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will be able to :
- Identify the clinical features of plasma cell disorders, including myeloma, plasmacytoma, plasma cell leukaemia, and lymphoplasmacytic disorders such as Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia.
- Explain how laboratory investigations, such as protein electrophoresis and serum free light chains, are translated into the clinical picture and patient management.
- Learn how plasma cell disorders are monitored.
Sponsored by
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in the investigation of patients with dementia
Demand optimisation in a post-COVID world
Tumour markers for today and tomorrow
Tumour markers for today and tomorrow
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will be able to :
- Summarize the current state and clinical applications of tumour markers.
- Understand the limitation and benefits of PSA in screening for prostate cancer.
- Discuss the merits and problems in using tumour markers (e.g., CEA, CA 125) in post-operative surveillance and monitoring therapy.
- Gain an insight as to the future use of tumour markers, including the potential transformative use of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA).
Sponsored by
Speakers
Professor Joe Duffy
Essential contribution of laboratory diagnostics in COVID-19
Essential contribution of laboratory diagnostics in COVID-19
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will have an understanding of:
- How COVID-19 can be diagnosed with molecular and antigen testing
- The role of serology in monitoring immune response after COVID-19 and vaccination
- The role of laboratory tests for predicting unfavourable outcomes in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Sponsored by
Biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis
Urgent Biochemistry – impact of the 1 hour TAT in the ED, does it benefit patients?
Urgent Biochemistry – impact of the 1 hour TAT in the ED, does it benefit patients?
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
This presentation will discuss:
- Which tests are of importance in the context of a 1-hour TAT and why?
- How does the 1-hour TAT matter to the patient and patient outcomes?
- Operational and workflow impact in a busy emergency department.
- Point of care versus laboratory based tests - advantages & disadvantages.
Sponsored by
COVID-19: Cross skilling of healthcare workers
Clinical Scientist Experiential Route and Process and Q&A with the Clinical Chemistry Higher Specialist Diploma (HSD) Examiners
Clinical Scientist Experiential Route and Process and Q&A with the Clinical Chemistry Higher Specialist Diploma (HSD) Examiners
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will:
- Learn about the process of applying for HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist via the IBMS Experiential Route.
- Be able to meet and discuss areas of HSD examination with an examiner and HSD candidate including learning about the benefits of undertaking this qualification.
Sponsored by
Future of Clinical Biochemistry – health informatics and bioinformatics
Future of Clinical Biochemistry – health informatics and bioinformatics
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates will:
- Understand what big data & machine learning has got to do with the laboratory
- Learn how laboratory data can add value to diagnosis and prognosis
- Be given real world examples of how health informatics & bioinformatics are being used
- Learn about future developments.
Sponsored by
A case of pseudohyperkalaemia and pseudo-hypercalcaemia in a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia with thrombocytosis
A case of pseudohyperkalaemia and pseudo-hypercalcaemia in a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia with thrombocytosis
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Through the discussion of a case study delegates will learn that:
- Awareness of pseudo elevations of biochemical analytes not just commonly seen ones such as Potassium
- Importance of ensuring biochemical parameters are assessed in conjunction with FBC parameters
- Lithium heparin or anticoagulated samples rather than serum can be helpful in these cases.
Sponsored by
A case of myeloma diagnosed from a random urine protein
A case of myeloma diagnosed from a random urine protein
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Through the discussion of a case study delegates will:
- Be able to describe the types of proteinuria (glomerular, tubular, overload and postrenal).
- Understand the analytical steps taken following discovery of an elevated random urine protein result.
- Be able to link the clinical presentation and test results to myeloma diagnosis.
Sponsored by
A biochemistry Biomedical Scientist – roles and career development beyond the laboratory
A biochemistry Biomedical Scientist – roles and career development beyond the laboratory
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Through attending this presentation delegates will:
- Gain knowledge in the development opportunities post-registration.
- Gain an awareness of skill development beyond the laboratory environment.
- Gain an insight into professional registration and where it can lead you.
- Learn how to access the different development opportunities.
Sponsored by
Identifying patients with advanced liver fibrosis: Utility of the enhanced liver fibrosis test
Identifying patients with advanced liver fibrosis: Utility of the enhanced liver fibrosis test
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates will learn:
- Why is liver disease a growing issue?
- Why is identifying liver fibrosis important?
- What are the challenges in identifying patients with liver fibrosis, and what can the laboratory offer?
- The use of the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) in routine practice
Sponsored by
Biochemical screening for phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL)
Maternal serum screening, what is the chance?
Maternal serum screening, what is the chance?
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will be able to :
- Understand the development of maternal serum screening.
- Explain how different factors influence the chance result.
- Describe the benefits and pitfalls of the screening programme.
Sponsored by
Pre-eclampsia markers: Current status in clinical practice
Pre-eclampsia markers: Current status in clinical practice
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will:
- Understand the physiological changes associated with angiogenic markers in pregnancy and how these can be disturbed in pre-eclampsia
- Understand the diagnostic benefits of providing these tests in clinical practice including the high negative predictive value
- Understand the available methods for these markers used in practice
- Be able to access NICE guidance (currently being updated) on their use.
Sponsored by
COVID-19: Clinical Chemistry lessons learned
COVID-19: Clinical Chemistry lessons learned
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will be able to:
- Understand the impact of a global pandemic on the provision of local Blood Science laboratory services
- Explore the ways in which laboratory services and their staff can adapted to rapidly changing clinical requirements.
- Review how the laboratory is supporting a return to (the new) normal service, including the provision of serology testing.
- Assess the impact that the demands SARS-CoV2 has placed on laboratory staff and what ongoing support is required to ensure their future well-being.
Sponsored by
COVID-19 antibody testing: A cross-discipline approach
COVID-19 antibody testing: A cross-discipline approach
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will be able to :
- Understand the processes behind COVID antibody testing.
- Evaluate of the different techniques involved with COVID antibody testing.
- Recognise the need for cross-discipline working during a pandemic.
Sponsored by
Pathology in a pandemic. Establishing pathology provision at the UK's first NHS Nightingale Hospital
Pathology in a pandemic. Establishing pathology provision at the UK's first NHS Nightingale Hospital
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will understand:
- The clinical requirements of the service
- How Pathology Services at the Nightingale London were established
- Challenges of providing pathology services at the nightingale
- Lessons learnt.
Sponsored by
UK NEQAS Clinical Chemistry: More than a tick-box exercise
UK NEQAS Clinical Chemistry: More than a tick-box exercise
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Through an interactive session delegates will:
- Understand the role of EQA within a Quality Management System EQA is not simply a secondary IQC or calibration tool
- Be able to get the most out of your UK NEQAS Clinical Chemistry EQA to support troubleshooting and ongoing assay verification
- Be aware of recent innovations within UK NEQAS Clinical Chemistry.
Sponsored by
The screening and quantification of gabapentin and pregabalin in post-mortem samplers using high performance liquid chromatographyhigh resolution mass spectrometry (HPLCHRMS)
The screening and quantification of gabapentin and pregabalin in post-mortem samplers using high performance liquid chromatographyhigh resolution mass spectrometry (HPLCHRMS)
Clinical Chemistry
Learning outcomes
Delegates will:
- Gain knowledge of Gabapentin and Pregabalin and how they are used in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
- Understand the use and misuse of these drugs and the role of the biochemistry department in their monitoring.
- Gain insight and knowledge of the screening methods currently used and the new methods being developed.
Sponsored by
Dinitrophenol – more than an explosive
Laboratorybased drug adherence testing
How low are some people prepared to go? Hypoglycaemia and murder
Cytopathology
Education and Training
Degree laboratory placement, the success of the symbiotic relationship
Supporting learning using a virtual environment
Recognising and supporting the role of the laboratory trainers
Spotting qualification fraud
Qualification choices: HSD v MSc
Opening HSST to biomedical scientists
New HCPC Standards of Proficiency: Changes, emphasis and impact
CPD – what can we learn from other professions?
Band 6 – finding, keeping, developing
Challenges of delivering training with a limited scope service
Embedding leadership – training people to lead?
Haematology
Integrating morphology and immunophenotyping and other modalities
Integrating morphology and immunophenotyping and other modalities
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will be able to:
- Recognise a possible haematological emergency from the morphology and to explain what other diagnostic modalities should be employed to achieve a rapid diagnosis.
- Integrate morphology and immunophenotyping to reach a diagnosis
- Integrate morphology with information from cytogenetic, FISH and molecular analysis to reach a diagnosis.
Sponsored by
Immunodulatory drug resistance in myeloma
Immunodulatory drug resistance in myeloma
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will understand:
- The mechanisms of action of immunomodulatory drugs in myeloma including laboratory aspects of disease monitoring
- The mechanisms of resistance to immunomodulatory drugs in myeloma nosis.
Sponsored by
Next-generation sequencing in myeloid neoplasms
Gene therapy: Curing the incurable!
Anticoagulation in COVID-19: What does not kill
Lupus anticoagulant in COVID-19 patients
Lupus anticoagulant in COVID-19 patients
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will learn:
- Whether COV-SARS2 induces lupus anticoagulant formation.
- How is this relevant clinically relating to survival.
- Will this produce long term side effects post infection.
Sponsored by
Q&A. What we learnt from COVID-19
Q&A. What we learnt from COVID-19
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Through the discussion of questions submitted delegates attending this presentation will learn about:
- Changes in knowledge of the haemostatic system after the pandemic
- How the virus interferes with haemostasis
- What did we learn from the virus and its effects.
Delegates are asked to submit questions to [email protected] by Monday 31st January 2022.
Sponsored by
Haemoglobinopathy conundrums - small details, big difference!
Haemoglobinopathy conundrums - small details, big difference!
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Through an interactive presentation based on case studies found in the Trust delegates will:
- Be made aware that since there are more than 1200 haemoglobin variants described and many other causing thalassaemia, the importance to acknowledge the complexity of HPLC interpretation.
- Understand the methods that are at their disposal to confirm the diagnosis.
- Be able to consider when it is necessary to request further testing in an environment of increasing financial pressures.
Sponsored by
Speakers
Daniel Monteiro
Standardised testing for Paroxysmal Haemoglobinuria, why and how?
Standardised testing for Paroxysmal Haemoglobinuria, why and how?
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will learn that:
- PNH is a rare disease, consequently diagnosis can be delayed or completely missed.
- Laboratory testing plays a critical in role in the diagnosis of the disease, for which there is a highly effective treatment. Without therapy, morbidity and mortality can be significant.
- Previous studies have demonstrated the inconsistency of laboratory testing for PNH.
- We have developed international guidelines to assist with improving testing and therefore diagnosis of this rare disease.
Sponsored by
Gene therapy and bone marrow transplant treatment in beta thalassaemia patients
Gene therapy and bone marrow transplant treatment in beta thalassaemia patients
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Delegates will learn about
- The clinical and presentation of Beta Thalassaemia patients
- The diagnosis and categorisation of Beta Thalassaemia
- The current choices in gene therapy relevant to beta thalassaemia treatment
- How bone marrow transplant is used to introduce replacement genes in the patient.
Sponsored by
Impact of COVID-19 on the haemostasis lab testing
British Society for Haematology Guidelines – platelet function testing
British Society for Haematology Guidelines – platelet function testing
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will gain knowledge on the recommendations from the BSH guideline writing group on various aspects including:
- Clinical evaluation and the utility of bleeding assessment tools
- Sample collection and preparation requirements
- Recommendations on phenotypic tests for investigation of platelet function
- Quality assurance measures available for platelet function testing
- Use of genetic or genomic testing in investigation of platelet disorders.
Sponsored by
Speakers
Dr Keith Gomez
British Society for Haematology Guidelines – laboratory assays
British Society for Haematology Guidelines – laboratory assays
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will gain knowledge on the recommendations from the BSH guideline writing group on various aspects including:
- Preanalytical variables and their effects on haemostasis tests
- Recommendations for assays to use when investigating factor deficiencies, and requirements for these assays including assay design.
- Recommendations on which assays to perform for thrombophilia testing.
- Considerations for quality assurance, including internal quality control and external quality assessment.
Sponsored by
Speakers
Peter Baker
Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy (CAR-T) for treatment of haematological malignancies
Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy (CAR-T) for treatment of haematological malignancies
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will:
- Gain a greater understanding CAR-T therapy
- Develop an awareness of the advantages of the therapy
- Understand some of the technical aspects of the therapy
Sponsored by
Immunophenotyping
EQA Governance – the road ahead for the UK
Cytospin case studies
Cytospin case studies
Haematology
Learning outcomes
Through a discussion based on case studies found in the Trust delegates will:
- Understand what cytospins are.
- Learn about types of fluids that may be examined.
- Understand their role in the diagnosis and monitoring of haematological malignancy.
Sponsored by
Peritoneal dialysate fluid – testing for peritonitis
Immunology
Neuroscience laboratories services
Neuroscience laboratories services
Immunology
Learning outcomes
Delegates will learn how:
- The Neuroscience Laboratories support a specialist tertiary Neurology and Neurosurgery Hospital and the wider population.
- How we work as a cross discipline team to deliver our Neuropathology, Neuroimmunology and Neurobiochemistry services.
- What the risks and opportunities are of being such a specialist service.
Speakers
Carrie Chadwick FRCPath EuSpLM
Clinical applications of the predicted indirectly recognisable HLA epitopes (PIRCHE) software tool in solid organ and bone marrow transplant
Laboratory Management
Decision making in a crisis situation
Developing confident leadership at all levels
Positive onboarding – making staff induction an investment for success
Lead, follow or get out of the way
Applying organisation values to your leadership
Pre-empting problems – may the workforce be with you
Why don’t staff do what they are asked to do?
The exit interview – a meaningful goodbye
The importance of good laboratory design on staff health and wellbeing
Motivating a tired and exhausted workforce
Medical Microbiology
Methods for the isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from respiratory samples and the environment
Methods for the isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from respiratory samples and the environment
Medical Microbiology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will:
- Understand the clinical importance of NTM in respiratory disease with particular focus on Mycobacterium abscessus complex.
- Understand and consider the negative impact of chemical decontamination of specimens on the viability of NTM.
- Be able to describe the relative merits of culture on agar based media versus traditional culture for acid fast bacilli for isolation of NTM.
Speakers
Professor John Perry PhD, DSc
Impact of HG3 organisms not being suspected from clinical resulting in processing at CL2
Microbiome–associated metabolites and the gut–brain axis
Microbiome–associated metabolites and the gut–brain axis
Medical Microbiology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will:
- Gain an understanding of what the gut–brain axis is.
- Learn how metabolites produced by gut bacteria can have systemic effects.
- Understand the potential medical implications of gut microbiome–brain interactions.
Speakers
Professor Lesley Hoyles FRSB
Point-of-Care Testing
Quality Management
ISO15189 it’s all about the patient: What to expect from the new version
ISO15189 it’s all about the patient: What to expect from the new version
Quality Management
Learning outcomes
ISO15189 has been the mainstay of pathology accreditation globally and has entered a review period. The purpose of the standard is not actually as an accrediting document, but as a guide to the minimum requirements for competence and quality in medical laboratories.
This session will describe the progress made in the updated version, including why it is being updated as well as an indication on what to expect from the new version as well as the plans to support medical laboratories in the adopted and roll out. A good example of one of the changes is that point of care testing will now be part of the main standard once it is released.
Speakers
Dr David Ricketts DBMS CSci FIBMS
ISO 15189 it’s all about the patient: What to expect from the new version
ISO 15189 it’s all about the patient: What to expect from the new version
Quality Management
Learning outcomes
ISO15189 has been the mainstay of pathology accreditation globally and has entered a review period. The purpose of the standard is not actually as an accrediting document, but as a guide to the minimum requirements for competence and quality in medical laboratories.
This session will describe the progress made in the updated version, including why it is being updated as well as an indication on what to expect from the new version as well as the plans to support medical laboratories in the adopted and roll out. A good example of one of the changes is that point of care testing will now be part of the main standard once it is released.
Speakers
Dr David Ricketts DBMS CSci FIBMS
Transfusion Science
International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) – fi nding new blood group antigens
Laboratory errors in transfusion
Laboratory errors in transfusion
Transfusion Science
Learning outcomes
Through the discussion of case studies of laboratory errors delegates attending this presentation will:
- Learn about the types of errors generated within the laboratory.
- Understand the root causes of errors.
- Improve knowledge on how to mitigate against laboratory error.
Speakers
Dr Jeni Davies
Virology
Pandemic response – from zero to 1 million tests a day. Innovation, lessons learned and legacy
Pandemic response and impact – economic impact on research and scientific development
The June Almeida COVID-19 laboratory set up: lessons learnt
The June Almeida COVID-19 laboratory set up: lessons learnt
Virology
Learning outcomes
Delegates attending this presentation will learn:
- Factors which need to be considered when setting up a laboratory.
- How approach implementation of testing protocols, procurement of reagents and equipment and staff recruitment and training in the context of increasing Covid-19 testing capacity during 2020 and 2021.
- Lessons learned after reflection and review on issues including quality management, recruitment, training, procurement.
Speakers
Bamidele Farinre FIBMS, MSc, BSc
Hepatitis C - elimination of a treatable pandemic. Where are we now?
Hepatitis C - elimination of a treatable pandemic. Where are we now?
Virology
Learning outcomes
Delegates will learn about the:
- Current management of hepatitis C
- Current diagnostic pathways
- Novel ways of diagnosing at risk individuals from marginalised communities
- What part can the laboratory play in achieving elimination
- Use and deployment of point of care testing in Hepatitis C
Speakers
Dr Brendan Healy
Update to enterovirus infections
Microbiological safety of organs for transplantation – assessing the risk–benefit balance
Transplantation – virology clinical case studies
Transplantation – virology clinical case studies
Virology
Learning outcomes
Through the discussion of clinical case studies delegates will:
- Gain insight into virology infections in transplant patients.
- Understand the role of laboratory investigations in the clinical management of transplant patients.
- Learn about specific clinical cases at a specialist referral transplant hospital.
Speakers
Dr Stephen Pettit
