Laboratory Techniques with Applicability in Routine Practice

A new book of interest has been published, focusing on key techniques for those working in bioscience laboratories and students. The reference is:

Chesca, A., Abdulina, G. and Sandle, T. (2020) Laboratory Techniques with Applicability in Routine Practice, Lambert Academic Publishing, Mauritius, IBSN 978-620-056942-4

Tim Sandle as contributed two chapters, which are:

Abstract:

Gram-staining remains the fundamental method for determinative bacteriology, dividing bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This test provides information as to the origin of any contamination and is a pre-requisite for many microbial identification methods. Despite the longevity of the test, the test is highly reliant upon analyst technique and therefore errors occur. While there are a few studies looking at errors in the clinical context, research has not been extended to the pharmaceutical and healthcare context. In this study, we present a review of over 6,000 Gram-stains and establish an error rate of around 3%, with the most common reason for error being an over-decolourisation step resulting in organisms that should be Gram-positive appearing as Gram-negative. The analysis enables others to benchmark their facilities against.

Sandle, T. (2020) Assessing Gram-stain error rates in the healthcare context. In Chesca, A., Abdulina, G. and Sandle, T. (2020) Laboratory Techniques with Applicability in Routine Practice, Lambert Academic Publishing, Mauritius, pp7-20

With the second chapter, the abstract reads:

In order to improve the efficiency and detectability of disease, and to streamline services, pathology services have been undergoing a digital transformation. Areas of application extend from the automated scanning of slides to the use of artificial intelligence to aid with the interpretation of data. Furthermore, the implementation of digital workflows, which includes integration between systems and software, is key to achieving widespread adoption and driving improvements. This chapter assesses the main changes taking place and looks at the impact upon the workstream of the pathology function. In doing so, the chapter also considers the advantages and disadvantages that such new technology comes with.

The chapter reference is:

Sandle, T. (2020) Advances in pathology services for diagnosing disease. In Chesca, A., Abdulina, G. and Sandle, T. (2020) Laboratory Techniques with Applicability in Routine Practice, Lambert Academic Publishing, Mauritius, pp21-38

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)