Introduction


The way ahead Andy Myall – Editor, Pathology in Practice


As we reach the end of another year, it is time once again to compile our annual directory companion to Pathology in Practice magazine, this comprehensive listing of the leading biomedical science companies active across point-of-care testing right through to the latest advances in molecular biology and genomics. For this 2026 edition of The Biomedical Science Industry Handbook, I’m pleased to say you will benefit from additional insight in the form of further introductory pieces from both the Institute of Biomedical Science and the British Society For Microbial Technology. This time last year I was looking ahead to the 10 Year Plan and further news on the much-trailed ‘three shifts’. We now have some detail at least, including plans for more community-based healthcare, although the delayed 10 Year Plan was noted for being somewhat light on detail – lacking an expected final chapter on deliverance. What we didn’t expect was the further upheaval of NHS England being abolished, somewhat of a surprise when PM Sir Keir Starmer announced it in March. The core reason is cost of course; with the nation’s finances on such a tight leash the one thing we can’t seem to expect is any extra money. The clustering of ICBs during 2025 also aimed to reduce health service outgoings, but how long will it take for these potential savings to be realised, and how successful will the coming together of NHSE and the Department for Health and Social Care actually be?


PPi


To turn to the positives, a number of new initiatives this year have looked to smooth the way ahead. There is a wealth of diagnostic innovation out there and changes at the MHRA will hopefully make it easier for


patients to benefit sooner. Streamlining the way for devices approved by other trusted regulators, closer alignment with Europe, as well as new ‘innovator passports’ to avoid repeated assessments, will all help new advances reach hospitals, Community Diagnostic Centres and other healthcare settings more quickly. The year ahead is set to be challenging, but it also brings with it many new possibilities and opportunities. With a clear shift from Government and regulators to make the path ahead smoother for new technology, coupled with a demand for taking diagnostics closer to the patient, 2026 has the potential to be a year that defines this sector for a while to come.


THE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE INDUSTRY HANDBOOK 2026 l 5


PATHOLOGY IN PRACTICE


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86