CONGRESS: 22–25 SEPTEMBER 2025 Conversely, samples that are
received for UE (potassium) analysis in the laboratory are centrifuged prior to analysis, and it is at this point that we can identify whether the sample is haemolysed, which could generate an erroneous potassium result. Sophisticated laboratory analysers are equipped with haemolysis detectors to measure the quantity of haemolysis in the sample and automatically exclude the potassium results from the report if the quantity of haemolysis is calculated to be sufficient to affect the result. This presentation will outline these challenges and a new POCT solution on the market (Werfen GEM7000) which is designed to address this issue. A multicentred verification and method comparison trial was completed to assess how this device could add value in routine service use.
POCT in disaster situations Capt Patrick Bardi Biomedical Scientist Training School, Ministry of Defence
Point-of-care testing (POCT) plays a crucial role in disaster situations by providing rapid, on-site diagnostic capabilities that support timely medical decision-making. In mass casualty incidents, natural disasters, and conflict zones, access to centralised laboratory facilities is often limited, making POCT an invaluable tool for frontline healthcare providers.
POCT devices enable immediate assessment of critical parameters such as blood gases, electrolytes, infection markers, and coagulation status. These rapid diagnostics are essential for triaging patients, optimising resource allocation, and initiating lifesaving interventions. The portability, ease of use, and minimal sample requirements of modern POCT devices allow deployment in austere environments with limited infrastructure. Additionally, integrating wireless data transmission enhances coordination between field teams and centralised command centres, ensuring seamless patient management.
Despite its advantages, POCT in disaster settings presents challenges, including device calibration, supply chain disruptions, and the need for trained personnel. Ensuring quality control and data accuracy in high- pressure environments remains a priority. Future advancements, such as AI-driven diagnostics, lab-on-a-chip technologies, and biosensors, promise to enhance POCT efficiency and reliability in crisis response. Strengthening POCT capabilities will
Lassa virus virions adjacent to cell debris (Transmission electron micrograph [TEM]).
significantly enhance global disaster response, ultimately improving survival rates and patient outcomes in humanitarian crises.
Monoclonal antibody therapies Dr Marquita Camilleri
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
This presentation will examine the role of CD38 monoclonal antibodies in multiple myeloma, including its mechanism of action, and current therapy indications. It will cover the evidence supporting current treatment indications (including CASSIOPEIA, GRIFFIN, PERSEUS for transplant-eligible and MAIA for transplant ineligible patients), and potential future uses of CD38 monoclonal antibodies, including treatment for high-risk smouldering myeloma patients (including the MODIFY study using subcutaneous isatuximab), and host immunity manipulation to improve immune fitness and response to BCMA CAR-T cell or bispecific antibody therapy. Finally, a look at laboratory challenges caused by CD38 monoclonal antibodies both within and outside transfusion medicine, with possible mitigation strategies.
Diagnostics in the rare and imported pathogens laboratory Dr Ruth Elderfield
UK Health Security Agency Porton Down
The pathogens tested for in the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory can be travel associated viruses such as chikungunya, Lassa (pictured) and
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM AUGUST 2025
dengue, but also the rarer viruses such as 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 with which to work? This presentation will discuss how, when there is no suitable commercially produced test available, research assays are taken and transitioned into functioning clinical diagnostic tests in an ISO 15189:2022 accredited laboratory.
High-risk groups and sexual health Professor Matt Phillips President, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
As the preventative measures available in genitourinary (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.
Full programme details and the latest additions are available on the IBMS Congress website. A previous brief preview of the scientific programme, alphabetically covering cellular pathology to haematology, appeared in the June issue of Pathology in Practice (PIP. 2025 Jun; 26 [4]: 21–3).
www.ibms.org/congress
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