IBMS Congress 2025

Diagnostics in the rare and imported pathogens laboratory

9am – 9.30am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

The pathogens that we test for in the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, can be travel associated viruses such as Chikungunya, Lassa, and Dengue but also the rarer viruses for example Oropouche and Japanese encephalitis, so how does the laboratory have confidence in the results it is providing when, for some pathogens, there may never have been a positive case in the UK and therefore no positive clinical samples to work with?

We will discuss how, when there is no suitable commercially produced test available, we take research assays and transition them into functioning clinical diagnostic tests in an ISO15189:2022 accredited laboratory.

The Ebola pandemic – 10 year anniversay experiences and reflections from the frontline

9.30am – 10am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Speakers

Stephen Kidd

Principal Clinical Scientist, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Respiratory pandemic preparedness

10.30am – 11am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will understand:

• The significant amount of work in the background that supports assay roll-out and service stand up during responses to epidemics and pandemics.
• The role of the UKHSA Diagnostic Accelerator Unit in preparedness
• The importance of pandemic preparedness building on lessons learned from previous responses 

Assessing the risk of H5N1 emergence

11am – 11.30am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

• Understanding of  the virology of H5N1 Influenza A and strain variation
• Insight into the factors associated with pathogenesis in H5N1 infection
• Assessment of current risk to humans and animals from H5N1 influenza A

Knock on effects of the Pandemic: Influenzas and respiratory viruses

11.30am – 12pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

This presentation will:

• Give an overview of the changes made to laboratory practice during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate testing for SARS-CoV-2
• Outline adaptations to laboratory service coming out of the initial phase of the pandemic
• Discuss how the laboratory service has responded to variations in the epidemiology/ seasonality of  other infectious diseases  which occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic

Learning outcomes

The COVID 2019 pandemic had significant and long lasting impact on a global scale. Through this discussion delegates will explore the impacts seen in a NHS virology laboratory, and considerations for the future of staff, workflow and budgets.

Green labs in virology

9am – 9.30am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Sustainability quality & disposal of virology samples

9.30am – 10am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Measles – outbreak epidemiology in West Midlands

10.30am – 11am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning Outcomes

This presentation will:

• Highlight the measles outbreak activity in West Midlands during the outbreak incident 2023-24
• Highlight the collaborative nature of working between laboratories and other Public health teams and stakeholders especially field services and Health Protection teams
• Outline how biomedical scientist roles can contribute to such incidents 

Measles – assay assurance

11am – 11.30am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will:

• Understand the role and remit of PDAG
• Gain knowledge on assurance work undertaken during the measles outbreak incident 2023-24 and how that information is used
• Learn about other key areas of virology assay assurance being undertaken, including Influenza 

Measles immunisation – challenges & issues

11.30am – 12pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Opportunities and challenges of bacteriophage applications

2pm – 2.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will gain:

• An overview of the different phage therapy approaches
• An overview of the use of phage as a diagnostic tool
• An understanding of the current legislative framework surrounding different phage applications
• An understanding of the requirements needed for the development of commercial phage-based products

Nature’s Nano-Ninjas: Bacteriophage biocontrol in veterinary medicine

2.30pm – 3pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will:

• Describe key qualities of bacteriophage which are suitable for therapeutic applications.
• Discuss the current regulatory environment for bacteriophage use in veterinary medicine in the UK/EU.
• Summarise the main uses of bacteriophage biocontrol in veterinary contexts.
• Outline the main scientific and technical barriers to a wider adoption of bacteriophage biocontrol.

Clinical phage therapy in the UK

3pm – 3.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

This presentation will cover:

• What is phage therapy?
• Introducing the UKHSA Clinical Phage Service
• Introducing clinical phage diagnostics
• The future of clinical phage therapy in biomedical science

Double jaundice

4pm – 4.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will gain knowledge on:

• Differential diagnosis of jaundice in children.
• The use of multidisciplinary tests for diagnosis.
• Alerting external bodies with significant findings    

HSD case studies

4.30pm – 5pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Learning outcomes

Metagenomics to diagnose encephalitis

9am – 9.30am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Speakers

Dr Julianne Brown

Principal Clinical Scientist, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

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Pathogen metagenomics for the diagnosis of respiratory infection in critical illness

9.30am – 10am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Emerging technologies

10.30am – 11am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Abstract

AI in clinical epidemiology

11am – 11.30am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Learning outcomes

Interpretive software

11.30am – 12pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Meet the Experts: Virology

12.45pm – 2pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 1 hour 15 mins

Virology

High-risk groups & sexual health

2pm – 2.30pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

As the preventative measures available in GU medicine continue to expand, including pre/post exposure prophylactic drugs and vaccines, it becomes increasingly important to ensure equity of access and uptake for sexual communities that have higher risks.  This talk will explore the different interventions available, and methods for connecting interventional offers with communities.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding High-Risk Groups
• Key Prevention Strategies
• Importance of a Holistic Approach

Diagnostic dilemmas in STDs, pre-exposure prophylaxis

2.30pm – 3pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will understand the:

• Challenges in diagnosing STDs
• Role and challenges of PrEP
• Integration of diagnostics with prevention

Novel approach to offering blood-borne virus testing within community outreach

3pm – 3.30pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will learn:

• Benefits of innovation and adapting services to meet patient needs
• The value of sharing learning
• The patient perspective    

Speakers

Louise Hansford

Hep C Elimination Coordinator, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

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