MedWorm: Royal College of Pathologists

Royal College of Pathologists' autopsy guidelines on sudden cardiac death: roles for cannabis, cotinine, NSAIDs and psychology

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists have published guidelines on autopsy practice as a new set of standardised best practice scenarios. Scenario 1 (sudden death with likely cardiac pathology) was issued in 2005.1 The intention of the College Working Party on the Autopsy was that the scenarios would be periodically reviewed, updated and augmented.2 There is a need to place cannabis, nicotine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and psychology in the proper context when reporting on cardiac deaths. The rationale follows. In the list of drugs, both licit and illicit, which may cause sudden cardiac death is marijuana. The sentinel paper on cannabis as a trigger for sudden cardiac death is a case crossover study from Mittleman et al, which reported that the elevated risk of triggering ...

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Post mortem magnetic resonance imaging in the fetus, infant and child: A comparative study with conventional autopsy (MaRIAS Protocol)

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

DISCUSSIONUsing conventional post mortem as the gold standard comparator, the MR images will be assessed for accuracy of the anatomical morphology, associated lesions, clinical usefulness of information and determination of the cause of death. The sensitivities, specificities and predictive values of post mortem MR alone and MR imaging along with other minimally invasive post mortem investigations will be presented for the final diagnosis, broad diagnostic categories and for specific diagnosis of each system.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01417962NIHR Portfolio Number: 6794 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Comparison of circumferential resection margin clearance criteria with survival after surgery for cancer of esophagus

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Sammy Franks obituary

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:32:16 +0100

Prostate pathologist whose research linked cancer and ageingLeonard Maurice Franks, fondly known as "Sammy", who has died aged 90, was regarded as the doyen of prostate pathologists. Particularly important was his research into the high frequency of prostate cancer in ageing men, which led to the appreciation that if a man lives long enough, he will develop prostate cancer. Sammy was also a pioneer in the application of cell culture and electron microscopy to cancer research. He was for decades a revered authority on tumour biology.He was born in Newcastle upon Tyne and graduated in medicine from Durham University in 1942. After a short period in general practice in Newcastle, he was almost immediately caught up in the second world war, serving as regimental officer with the Rifle Brigade,...

The prognostic benefits of routine staining with elastica to increase detection of venous invasion in colorectal cancer specimens

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We read with interest the article by Messenger et al1 describing current practice patterns for the assessment of venous invasion in colorectal cancer in Ontario, Canada. The authors highlight the low reporting rates of venous invasion across the region with 70% of pathologists identifying venous invasion in fewer than 10% of cases. Such rates are some way below the Royal College of Pathologists' minimum audit threshold of 25%. The authors report that pathologists who employed elastin stains in their practice had a higher rate of detection of venous invasion; however, there was little enthusiasm for the widespread application of such a technique. In our institution, a departmental audit of 75 colorectal cancer resections between 1997 and 2000 demonstrated a prevalence of venous invasion of ...

Current practice patterns among pathologists in the assessment of venous invasion in colorectal cancer

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Self-reported VI detection rates are low among most pathologists. Even among specialist GI pathologists practicing in university-affiliated centres, few reported a detection rate close to that recommended by the RCPath. Strategies to increase the detection of VI may be required. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

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New advances prompt genetics guidance update

Society for Endocrinology — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0100

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Royal College of Pathologists and British Society for Human Genetics explores the complex mix of legislation that applies to the use of genetic data and samples and sets out clear guidelines for healthcare professionals. The guidelines can be accessed via the link below. RCP press release (Source: Society for Endocrinology)

External quality assurance target setting with NIST SRM 968d material: performance in the 2010 Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program with retinol, {alpha}-tocopherol and {beta}-carotene

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry)

Lymph Node Correlations and Thresholds in Colorectal Cancer Specimens

International Journal of Surgical Pathology — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this study of 391 patients, the authors aim to determine the optimal node counts in patients with colorectal cancer, examine for correlations between maximum tumor diameter and lymph node yield, and examine for correlations between lymph node yield and involved node numbers. Furthermore, the authors aim to examine the impact of specimen type on the harvested node numbers and assess whether the personal differences between surgeons and pathologists have significant influence on node yield. A moderate positive correlation between maximum tumor diameter and final lymph node yield was noted (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = .328, P = .0001). There was significant variation shown by pathologists (Kruskal–Wallis test P = .001) and by differing specimen type (Kruskal–Wall...

A national audit of pollen immunotherapy for children in the United Kingdom: patient selection and programme safety

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Pollen SIT is available across England, though small numbers of children are being treated. Current national guidelines to exclude asthmatic children in SIT programmes are not being adhered to by most specialist paediatric allergy centres. SCIT and SLIT has been well tolerated. Review of patient selection criteria is needed and may allow greater use of this therapeutic option in appropriate clinical settings. (Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

Transfusion tomorrow: Royal College of Pathologists, November 2010

Transfusion Medicine — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:53:16 +0100

Introduction. Following on from 2009's successful meeting ‘Transfusion Today’, the Royal College of Pathologists presented another fascinating 2‐day symposium ‘Transfusion Tomorrow’ to consider the future impact of recent advances in transfusion medicine. Topics ranged from blood safety issues and regulation, through clinical and laboratory practice, to molecular advances in transfusion science. The meeting focussed on the evidence base for developments in clinical practice and drew in a wide cross‐section of scientific, clinical and technical staff. (Source: Transfusion Medicine)

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Change of HbA1c reporting to the new SI units.

Med J Aust — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jones GR, Barker G, Goodall I, Schneider HG, Shephard MD, Twigg SM An international consensus statement recommends that dual reporting of haemoglobin A (HbA(1c)) levels - in the current units (percentage) and Système International (SI) units (mmol/mol) - be used as an interim measure for a 2-year transition period before progressing towards the use of SI units only. This recommendation is supported by the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australian Diabetes Society and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. The SI units are a true measure of HbA(1c) and remove potential confusion between HbA(1c) values and blood glucose values. PMID: 21728944 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Med J Aust)

The Interobserver Reproducibility of Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Using the UK Royal College of Pathologists' Classification System.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Wed, 18 May 2011 20:01:15 +0100

This study demonstrates that international efforts to harmonize and refine thyroid cytology classification systems can improve consistency in the clinical management of thyroid nodules. PMID: 21571958 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Clinical Pathology)

Laboratory reporting of urine protein and albumin.

The Clinical Biochemist. Reviews — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jones GR Communication between pathology laboratories and clients involves more than just a result. There may be advice on recommended specimen type as well as the units and reference intervals used to report results. Between-laboratory variability in these factors has the potential to cause unnecessary confusion and even to lead to variation in interpretation for samples sent to different laboratories. A survey of Australian and New Zealand laboratories covering sample recommendations, specimens received, units and reference intervals for urine albumin and urine protein was conducted through the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program (RCPA QAP). The results confirm earlier findings of wide between-laboratory variability in all these factors. It...

Rheumatoid factor measurement—continuing problems 70 years after discovery

Clinical Rheumatology — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:36:36 +0100

This study compared RF results between two commonly used commercial instruments. Serum samples were exchanged between a laboratory using a Beckman Immage immunonephelometer and another using a Roche Modular immunoturbidimeter. The World Health Organization (WHO) reference standard for RF (W1066) was then used to compare the two methods. The Roche immunoturbidimeter appears to have superior sensitivity. Furthermore, there is significant bias between the two instruments as levels of RF increase. Results from the WHO RF reference preparation correlated most closely with the results from the Roche immunoturbidimeter. Standardization for RF measurement is not optimal and has not been achieved between these two commonly used instruments. This may have clinical implications for patient mana...

Warning about self-test health kits

NHS News Feed — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:53:00 +0100

DIY health testing kits have made headlines, with several newspapers reporting that they could do more harm than good. Home test kits designed to detect ailments from high cholesterol to cancer, can be misleading, offer false reassurance or trigger false alarms, and use language that is often confusing, the media reported. The stories are based on a new report by the consumer organisation Which? on six widely available home testing kits. It found many problems with the tests, including gaps in information, difficulty of use, “baffling” language, the risk of false alarms or false reassurance and misleading naming. According to Which? people would be better off saving their money and going straight to the GP – who would have to carry out tests to confirm any ‘diagnosis’ made by suc...

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Dame Barbara Clayton obituary

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:48:03 +0100

Pathologist whose work led to advances in hormone chemistryDame Barbara Clayton, who has died aged 88, made outstanding contributions to clinical medicine, medical research and public service. Her work led to advances in hormone chemistry, the prevention of lead pollution and the micronutrient needs of children and older people. She also served on many committees, chairing the advisory group that investigated the Camelford water-pollution incident.Clayton was born in Liverpool, and her father was a food technologist who invented salad cream. She attended Bromley county school for girls, south-east London, where she was head girl, then studied medicine at Edinburgh University, qualifying in 1946. After a year as a junior hospital doctor, she took a research-assistant job at the Medical Rese...

Number of postmortems in England and Wales should be cut – researchers

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:05:04 +0100

While some postmortems help investigate crime, many are unnecessary and intrusive, a study findsThe number of postmortem examinations carried out in England and Wales is unjustifiably high and could be cut by 80,000 a year, researchers say.Currently, more than one in five of all deaths leads to a postmortem – more than double the rate in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.An automatic recourse to postmortem is "inappropriate" and coroners should instead look to requesting more external examinations, experts said.While some postmortems are essential for establishing cause of death and investigating possible crimes, many are unnecessary and intrusive.The researchers, from the centre for forensic and legal medicine at the University of Dundee, said today: "Just as the opti...

Government apologises over removal of body parts from ex-nuclear workers

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:51:07 +0100

Removal of organs and other tissues from bodies of former nuclear plant workers over 30-year period was result of 'unacceptable working practices', energy secretary saysThe removal of organs and other tissues from the bodies of 76 former workers at nuclear plants over a 30-year period that began in the 1960s should not have happened and was the result of "unacceptable working practices" in the NHS, the coroners service and the nuclear industry, the energy secretary, Chris Huhne, said yesterday.Speaking in the Commons to launch the report that followed a three-year inquiry into the affair, Huhne confirmed that families' views had not always been obtained before organs had been taken, as required under the law.He offered assurances that the many concerns raised over organ retention for resea...

Jargon is spreading like nits in the coalition's playground | Zoe Williams

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:30:01 +0100

In David Cameron's brave new horizon-shifting world, targets are milestones and euphemism is policy. The West Wing it isn'tI would never begrudge governments their fancy new words. They need an idioglossia, it's part of how they know they are in power (especially now taxis aren't allowed). Cameron's new lexicon is drab, but so was New Labour's – if a politician uses an unfamiliar word that illuminates, adds texture or dimension, says something that couldn't be covered by regular words, you must be watching The West Wing.But in a spirit of patient understanding rather than attack, why do they do it? Either it's a diversionary tactic, a new word for an old policy; or it's a cover-up, a word so offputting that it stops you hearing what's been said; or it's dishonest in other ways; or it's t...

National Pathology Week 1-7 November, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have called for more laboratory test results to be made directly available to patients. To launch National Pathology Week 2010 (1-7 November), both Colleges have agreed this stance. Laboratory test results are currently delivered to the health service professional who requested the test, who then interprets the results and their implications before discussing the result with the patient. Both Colleges agree some laboratory test results should be sent directly to patients... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Named Publisher Of The Journal Pathology

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW), part of Wolters Kluwer Health, announced today that it has signed an agreement to serve as exclusive publisher of Pathology effective January 1, 2011. The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), which produces Pathology, is responsible for the training and professional development of pathologists and for the promotion of the science and practice of pathology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New UK guidelines highlight role of testosterone in sexual disorders

NeLM - News — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Source: Maturitas Area: News New guidelines for the assessment of testosterone deficiency in both men and women have been developed by the British Society for Sexual Medicine in collaboration with a number of other organisations, including the British Menopause Society, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Pathologists, and the Society for Endocrinology. The guidelines look at the following topics: 1) Women . Physiology, laboratory measurements . Classification and epidemiology of sexual problems . Risk factors (hormonal and non-hormonal) . Assessment of female sexual problems . Treatment (including testosterone [oral, parenteral], tibolone, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], transdermal gels) . Safety of ...

College Of American Pathologists Forges Agreement On Cancer Protocol Development With Canadian And Australasian Associations

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) recently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (RCPA), forging a collaboration in the development of cancer datasets, also called protocols. The CAP Cancer Protocols are designed as a guideline for definitive cancer reporting. This collaboration agreement not only allows pathologists from many different countries to participate actively in developing cancer protocols, but also helps better define staging parameters for cancer specimens... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

You too can be a medical* practitioner | Julia Wilson

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:56:15 +0100

Simply register with the School of Old Wives' Traditional Medicine and we'll give you a big impressive certificate*no medical training requiredDo you remember the traditional way to treat burns? Or what would happen to your face if the wind changed? If you think you can answer these questions, why not become a registered practitioner of Old Wives' Traditional Medicine?Tomorrow at 11.30am outside the Department of Health in London, a new professional registration scheme for practitioners in the medical tradition of Old Wives' Tales will be launched. A group of junior medics and scientists from the Voice of Young Science (VoYS) network will form the new VoYS School of Old Wives' Traditional Medicine (pdf). They will hand out diplomas for people to practise Old Wives' Traditional Medicine, re...

Abolition Of The Human Tissue Authority

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists welcomes the decision announced in the Report of the Arm's Length Body Review to abolish the Human Tissue Authority. This is a sensible economy. Professor Peter Furness, President of the Royal College of Pathologists said: "The College fully recognises the need for a regulatory framework, but we have long argued that the current system is disproportionate and extends its demands beyond the areas envisaged when the Human Tissue Authority was planned. The Codes of Practice issued by the Authority now run to over 1,000 pages... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Breast fine needle aspiration cytology: a review of current practice in Australasia

Cytopathology — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Breast FNA cytology is still actively undertaken in Australasia, but numbers have declined. Unsatisfactory rates have reached the Australian recommended upper limit and are inversely proportional to the total number of cases received. Overall QC measures are unchanged and consideration of a review of breast FNA guidelines is suggested. (Source: Cytopathology)

An investigation of adequate volume for the diagnosis of malignancy in pleural fluids

Cytopathology — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Between 25 and 50 ml of fluid are required for the adequate assessment of pleural effusions for malignancy. (Source: Cytopathology)

'Allergy services still not meeting the unmet need': Joint report of RCP and RCPath Working Party (June 2010)

NeLM - News — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This report from a joint working party of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath), supported by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) provides an update on changes to allergy service provision following the 2007 report of the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee's inquiry into allergy. The report stresses that services like allergy, which have been chronically under-resourced and under-supplied in the UK compared with the rest of Europe, are especially vulnerable and must be protected in this current economic climate. It recommends that further actions are needed from the Department of Health, PCTs, local health boards, strategic health authority commissioners, providers of allergy services, and patien...

Tobacco Advisory Group Of Royal College Of Physicians Report - Passive Smoking And Children

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0100

Professor Peter Furness, President of the Royal College of Pathologists commenting on the Tobacco Advisory Group of Royal College of Physicians report, Passive Smoking and Children, said: The Royal College of Pathologists fully endorses this report. The prevalence of diseases - such as asthma - in children exposed to passive smoking is of great concern. As a College we are committed to working with our fellow health professionals and others to ensure the recommendations in this report are implemented... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pilot quality assurance programme for plasma metanephrines

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:36:02 +0100

Conclusions Differences in calibration and matrix effects are likely to have been responsible for the discrepancy between chromatographic and immunoassay methods. These differences need to be further examined although efforts at standardization between different methods have been hampered by the lack of a universal calibrator for plasma metanephrines. Meanwhile, a laboratory's performance characteristics can be monitored and enhanced by participation in suitable external quality assurance programmes. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry)

Investigations from External Quality Assurance Programs Reveal a High Degree of Variation in the Laboratory Identification of Coagulation Factor Inhibitors

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:31:24 +0100

This article reviews each of these elements, largely from the perspective of cross-laboratory studies undertaken within the framework of external quality assurance (EQA), a peer-laboratory process that aims to assess the ongoing performance of groups of similar laboratories. This review details the experience of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Haematology Quality Assurance Program, and it also reflects on the experience of other EQA organizations. Our analysis reveals a wide variety of test practice among inhibitor testing laboratories, a wide variation in detected inhibitor levels in cross-tested samples, and substantial evidence of false-positive and false-negative detection of factor inhibitors. These findings hold some significance for the clinical management of patien...

Serum vitamin A and E analysis: comparison of methods between laboratories enrolled in an external quality assurance programme

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:10:41 +0100

Conclusions The questionnaire highlighted discrete methodological differences between laboratories. These findings provide direction to enable the Vitamins Working Party of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists to further investigate the dispersion in results between participants of the RCPA QAP vitamin programme. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry)

Dr Arnold Renshaw (1885-1980): Manchester pathologist and forensic pathologist with a clinical interest in rheumatoid arthritis

Journal of Medical Biography — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:38:13 +0100

Dr Arnold Renshaw trained in both dentistry and medicine in Manchester, being actively involved in the University student organisations. He followed a career in pathology and bacteriology that was interrupted by serving in the RAMC during World War I. Bacteriological interest in the antiseptic properties of aniline dyes followed. His main interest, however, was in pathology where he was associated with the Pathology Society of Manchester for more than twenty years. He was also actively involved in the founding of the Association of Clinical Pathologists. The Association led to the formation of the Royal College of Pathologists and to Renshaw being elected one of the Founding Fellows. He also developed a special expertise in forensic pathology which he pioneered in northwest England. His la...

Royal College Of Pathologists Vice President Wins Healthcare Scientist Of The YearAward 2009

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists is pleased to be able to congratulate Vice President Tim Wreghitt on his award for Healthcare Scientist of the Year 2009 awarded at the Government's Chief Scientific Officer Conference on November 24. Dr Tim Wreghitt, is a Regional Microbiologist for the Health Protection Agency (East of England) and Honorary Consultant Virologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital. His research interests have centred on viral infections in transplant patients, especially donor-acquired disease and respiratory infections... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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David Cameron sets out Tory NHS vision

HSJ — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Conservative leader David Cameron has set out his party’s legislative proposals for the health service in a speech to the Royal College of Pathologists. (Source: HSJ)

Re: Government Announcement - Patients To Have Cancer Tests Within Two Weeks

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists is delighted to hear the Prime Minister's ongoing commitment to improving cancer diagnostic services. He has said that this will involve more "ultrasounds, CT and MRI scans", but it is important to recognise that in almost every case, the confirmation of cancer is made by not by a scan, but by a pathologist examining a tissue sample in the laboratory. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sweat testing for cystic fibrosis: standards of performance in Australasia

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions There is room for improvement in the performance of the sweat test in some laboratories in Australasia. The Sweat Testing Working Party of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists is the appropriate body to address the problems involved in sweat testing and to bring about change. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry)

Royal College Of Physicians' Report - Women And Medicine - The Future

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists welcomes the Royal College of Physicians' report into the future of women in medicine and the crucial need to plan for the increasing proportion of women doctors, a change that is already underway throughout the medical workface in the UK. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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[Original articles] Online survey of current autopsy practice

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The circumstances under which coronial autopsies are conducted in many parts of the UK make it difficult or impossible to comply with current RCPath guidance. Pathologists disagree on whether this situation demands a reduction of RCPath standards, an improvement in autopsy practice in medico-legal cases to current RCPath standards, or the implementation of "double standards". Resolution of this dilemma requires clarification of exactly what a coronial autopsy is trying to achieve. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

[Original articles] Workload measurement in subspecialty dermatopathology

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The RCPath histopathology workload guidelines underestimate the workload achievable by an experienced dermatopathologist, and thus are not directly applicable to subspecialty dermatopathology practice. Hourly work rates 3–4 times that recommended by the RCPath workload matrix are routinely achievable, but extrapolation to yearly workload estimates requires detailed knowledge of practice pattern and time required for non-clinical duties such as teaching, research and administration. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

National Pathology Week 3-9 November - Royal College Of Pathologists

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists and other specialist societies are holding the first National Pathology Week from 3-9 November 2008 to promote pathology. Over 150 fun free events are being held in hospitals and communities all over the United Kingdom and include interactive workshops, laboratory tours, stands in shopping centres, art competitions, quizzes and even a touring pathology bus. (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)

Fine needle aspiration cytology in the investigation of breast lumps at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.

Tropical Doctor — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:25:27 +0100

Authors: Bowa K, Jewel J, Mudenda V The study was undertaken to determine the value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the investigation of breast lumps at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. This technique, which has been shown to be cheap, simple and accurate has not been in common use at this institution. FNAC and open biopsy (OB) were performed on 56 patients who presented with a breast lump and the results compared, in order to determine the accuracy of FNAC. FNAC was found to have a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 100%. This level of accuracy compares favourably with the quality assurance criteria set for breast FNAC by the Royal College of Pathologists in the British National Health Service (NHS). PMID: 18820201 [PubMed - in process] (So...

Histopathology reporting in colorectal cancer: a proforma improves quality

Colorectal Disease — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion A template proforma and surgeon's contribution in relation to operative findings improves the quality of the histopathology report in CRC. (Source: Colorectal Disease)

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Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) and Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) Position Statement on Impaired Fasting Glucose.

The Clinical Biochemist. Reviews — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: , PMID: 19107225 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Clinical Biochemist. Reviews)

[Original articles] Impact of standardised reporting in adrenocortical carcinoma: a single centre clinicopathological review

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Standardised criteria for histopathological reporting of ACC will improve the accuracy of data for cancer registration and may also assist in individual patient stratification. An elevated Ki-67 index is a feature of ACC, although it does not appear to predict individual patient survival. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

Quality Assessment of Perinatal and Infant Postmortem Examinations in Turkey.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, 15,640 autopsies recorded during the years 2000-2004 in the Mortuary Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine were reviewed. Autopsy findings of 510 cases between 20 completed weeks of gestation and 1 year of age were analyzed retrospectively. The quality of each necropsy report was assessed using a modification of the system gestational age assessment described by Rushton, which objectively scores aspects identified by the Royal College of Pathologists as being part of a necropsy. According to their ages, the cases were subdivided into three groups. Intrauterine deaths were 31% (158 cases), neonatal deaths were 24% (123 cases), and infantile deaths were 45% (229 cases) of all cases. Scores for the quality of the necropsy report were above the minimum acceptable score ...

Pathologists Win Gold Medal At Chelsea Flower Show, UK

Tropical Diseases News From Medical News Today — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists and the Health Protection Agency have won a highly prestigious Gold Medal at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. The joint exhibition explores the possibility that climate change may increase the risk of malaria returning to the UK. Visitors are able to find out which species of mosquito transmit malaria, the plants used in the prevention and treatment of malaria, and how pathologists diagnose and treat the disease. (Source: Tropical Diseases News From Medical News Today)

Methodology and outcomes of platelet aggregation testing in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region: results of a survey from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Haematology Quality Assurance Program

Clinical and Laboratory Haematology — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:21:59 +0100

International Journal of Laboratory Hematology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. SummaryPlatelet aggregometry is widely used to investigate platelet function but its performance is poorly standardized between laboratories. The aim of this work was to document the platelet aggregation methods used in specialist laboratories enrolled in ... (Source: Clinical and Laboratory Haematology)

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Royal College of Pathologists

RDFunding RSS feed — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:00:39 +0100

The Jean Shanks Foundation / The Royal College of Pathologists - Pilot awards in pathology Amount: £5K - £10K Closing Date : 30 May 2008 (Source: RDFunding RSS feed)

Shortage Of Pathologists Causing Unlawful Transportation Of Children's Bodies, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 08:00:00 +0100

The Coroners Act, 1988, allows the removal of a body for post-mortem to an adjoining district only. This law is frequently broken because of a serious shortage of pathologists, especially pediatric pathologists, say members of the Royal College of Pathologists and the British Medical Association. [click link for full article] (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GPs And Pathologists Launch Advice To Improve Out-Of-Hours Reporting Of Abnormal Test Results

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:00:00 +0100

Advice for GPs and pathologists to improve the reporting of abnormal test results out-of-hours has been developed by The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) and The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). [click link for full article] (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GPs and pathologists launch advice to improve out-of-hours reporting of abnormal test results

NeLM Headline News — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) and The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have issued guidance for GPs, PCTs, out-of-hours providers and laboratory staff on how to improve the reporting of abnormal test results out-of-hours. The document highlights three key problem areas in reporting and acting on out-of hours abnormal results, including lack of information over whom to contact; staff failing to appreciate the importance of the abnormal result and not taking appropriate responsibility; and staff being unable to contact the patient and/or unable to access patient records. The document recommends that stakeholders work together at a local level to develop an appropriate system to ensure good communication out of hours. Specifically, PCTs should inform the laboratory ...

EQA from an Australian Perspective.

The Clinical Biochemist. Reviews — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bais R Enrolment in external quality assurance programs is part of the accreditation process for medical laboratories in Australia, with the majority of Australian laboratories being enrolled in programs from RCPA Quality Assurance Programs Pty Limited, a company owned by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. An important feature of these programs is that they have been developed with the involvement and contribution of the profession. For example, the Chemical Pathology programs are a joint venture between the company and the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB). Some of the unique features of the programs are the composition of the material, the use of target values, the structure and information in the reports and the use of the internet for d...

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[Original articles] Frequency and reliability of oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 in breast carcinoma determined by immunohistochemistry in Australasia: results of the RCPA Quality Assurance Program

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A laboratory audit was introduced into the RCPA QAP for breast markers due to concerns raised by participating laboratories about technical differences in supplied tissues for testing. This audit indicates that overall the results for ER, PR and HER2 fall inside established parameters. However, a number of individual laboratories do not meet the target values and variation in results would impact on patient treatment decisions. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

The validity of the Royal College of Pathologists' colorectal cancer minimum dataset within a population

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

N J Maughan, E Morris, D Forman & P Quirke (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

[Original articles] Melanoma histopathology reporting: are we complying with the National Minimum Dataset?

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: There was slow uptake of the NMDS in this region in the year following its introduction. Although major parameters required for staging were more consistently reported, ulceration and microsatellites were less frequently reported. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

Open House: science highlights

Nature Network London - Recent News — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 05:10:00 +0100

Image via Google Maps. An interactive version is available. In September each year, hundreds of London’s buildings open to the public for just a few days. Open House weekend is an unmissable opportunity to poke around in all kinds of places that are usually off-limits. Of the 600 participating venues this year, around 25 have scientific or medical links. Must-sees The Gibbs Building, headquarters of the Wellcome Trust, opened at 215 Euston Road three years ago. The glass-clad structure has become a local landmark, partly thanks to the window displays showing protein structures in neon lighting. Inside hangs Thomas Heatherwick’s Bleigiessen sculpture, which – at nine storeys tall – must be one of London’s largest works of art. Queen Mary College Institute of Cell a...

The First Online Pathology Workforce Database Goes Live On 10th September, UK

IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:00:00 +0100

On 10th September, the Royal College of Pathologists launches the world's first interactive, multi-professional electronic database. Designed to match need with expertise and new technologies, it will provide the UK Health Service with a vital management tool. Developed by the National Cancer Services Analysis Team, it will deliver up to date information on demographics, posts and vacancies and will play a pivotal role in long-term strategic planning of workforce and expertise. [click link for full article] (Source: IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today)

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What is the difference between food intolerances and food allergies?

NLH Question Answering Service — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:57:58 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists guide on allergy and allergy tests distinguishes between food intolerances and food allergies:"'Allergy' involves the immune system and tends to occur on each and every exposure. Many allergy tests measure specific immune factors triggered by allergies. (Source: NLH Question Answering Service)

What is the difference between food intolerances and food allergies? Is there any validity to the commercial food intolerance tests available which are IgG based I believe.

NLH Question Answering Service — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:17:02 +0100

New Online Service Explains Pathology Tests, Australia

IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:00:00 +0100

The Commonwealth Government has launched a new Internet-based service to help Australians better understand any one of the hundreds of lab tests used to screen, diagnose or monitor illness and disease. The Government has provided Lab Tests Online with funding of $500,000 from the Quality Use of Pathology Program. It has been developed by the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists with support from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. [click link for full article] (Source: IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today)

Desirable performance standards for HbA1c analysis – precision, accuracy and standardisation Consensus statement of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB), the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS), the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA), and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA)

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 45(8): 1083-1097 Background: HbA1c (glycohaemoglobin) is universally used in the ongoing monitoring of all patients with diabetes. There are many % HbA1c target control rating recommendations by national, regional and international expert bodies for diabetes patients and these are variable around the world. General patient target control ratings are currently most often recommended as either (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Utility of the PFA-100 as a screening test of platelet function: an audit of haemostasis laboratories in Australia and New Zealand.

Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:22:58 +0100

Page: 441DOI: 10.1097/MBC.0b013e328136c178Authors: Favaloro, Emmanuel J a,*; Bonar, Roslyn a,*; Duncan, Elizabeth b; Rodgers, Susan b; Marsden, Katherine a; on behalf of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program in Haematology (Source: Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis)

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Labs Are VitalTM National Launch At Focus 2007, UK

Medical Devices News From Medical News Today — Tue, 29 May 2007 19:00:00 +0100

An exciting new venture 'Labs are VitalTM' was launched at Focus 2007. 'Labs are VitalTM' will provide a combined approach for the Association for Clinical Biochemistry, Royal College of Pathologists, Association of Clinical Pathologists and the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association to promote clinical science and laboratory medicine. This comes at a time of significant change in the way healthcare is delivered across the UK. [click link for full article] (Source: Medical Devices News From Medical News Today)

How Can Plants Make You Ill? Pathologists Win Prestigious RHS Gold Medal At The Chelsea Flower Show 2007

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Mon, 28 May 2007 19:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists has won a highly prestigious Gold Medal at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. The exhibit, How can plants make you ill?, focuses on foods that most often trigger allergic reactions and explains the pathology and links between these foods that can result in unexpected symptoms. [click link for full article] (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Appeal panel asks NICE appraisal committee to review draft guidance on the use of bortezomib in multiple myeloma

NeLM Headline News — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

An Appeal Panel was convened on 8th February 2007 to consider an appeal against the Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) developed by NICE on the use of bortezomib for the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma. The following conclusions have been reached by the appeal panel (taken directly from appeal document): The Appeal Panel has upheld the appeal under ground one by Janssen-Cilag (point 2.1.1 of the appeal), Royal College of Pathologists and others, and Myeloma UK and others, to the extent that the operation of the interim procedure was on this occasion unfair. It also upheld the appeal by Janssen-Cilag (points 2.1.2, 2.1.5, and 2.1.7 of the appeal) with regard to bortezomib plus dexamethasone. The Panel upheld the appeal under ground two by Janssen-Cilag point 2.1.3, with regard to t...

Oncology and pharmacogenetics in 2007.

LANCET — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 15:45:02 +0100

Authors: Stebbing J Justin Stebbing is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, American Board of Internal Medicine and the Royal College of Pathologists. Originally, Justin trained in medicine at Trinity College Oxford (Oxford, UK), obtaining a triple first class degree. After completion of junior doctor posts in Oxford, he undertook a residency (junior doctor) training at The Johns Hopkins Hospital (MD, USA), before returning to London to continue his training in oncology at The Royal Marsden. Justin then undertook a PhD, funded by the medical research council, investigating the interplay between the immune system and cancer. Specifically, the role of heat shock proteins in tumorigenesis was examined, leading to the development of a cancer vaccine that is currently in clinical tr...

Opposition to changes in regulations to allow homeopathic remedies to make medical claims

NeLM Headline News — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

According to a BBC health news report, clinicians and scientific institutions are opposing changes in regulations introduced by the MHRA, to allow homeopathic medicines to make medical claims. Under the voluntary scheme, called the National Rules Scheme, homeopathic products will receive a licence if companies can provide data showing the treatments are safe, but they will not have to produce evidence of efficacy from clinical trials. They will also be allowed to indicate what sort of symptoms they can relieve, although this will be limited to minor ailments. Amongst the 12 institutions opposing these new regulations are: • The Royal College of Pathologists, who said in a statement that it was "deeply alarmed that the regulation of medicine had "moved away from science and cle...

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[Original articles] The Warwick system of prospective workload allocation in cellular pathology--an aid to subspecialisation: a comparison with the Royal College of Pathologists' system

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The RCPath system of scoring is inherently complex, is applied retrospectively and is not consistent across subspecialities. The Warwick system is simpler, prospective and can be run by technical staff; it facilitates even workload distribution throughout the day. Subspecialisation within a small-sized or medium-sized department with fair distribution of work between pathologists is also allowed for by this system. Reporting times among pathologists were shown by time and motion studies to be more consistent with Warwick points per hour than with RCPath points per hour. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

[Original articles] External quality assurance of molecular analysis of haemochromatosis gene mutations

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Encouraging levels of testing proficiency for two common genetic mutations are indicated by these data, but they also confirm the need for participation of molecular diagnostic laboratories in external quality assurance programmes to ensure the ongoing provision of high-quality genetic testing services. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)