NEWS


Roche’s dengue antigen test receives CE mark


Roche has received the CE mark for its Elecsys Dengue Ag test – a high- throughput, fully automated immunoassay to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of an acute dengue virus infection. Dengue fever is the most common mosquito-borne viral illness in the world. In 2024, more cases of dengue were recorded than ever before in a 12-month period, affecting over 100 countries on all continents. During 2024, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases, resulted in a historic high of over 14.6 million cases and more than 12,000 dengue-related deaths. Over the past 50 years, the spread of the disease has accelerated, posing a significant global health threat as half of the world’s population now lives in areas at risk of infection.


The symptoms of dengue aren’t unique, so doctors often struggle to distinguish it from other fever-causing illnesses, such as chikungunya or yellow fever. This is why early and accurate diagnosis is critical so that patients can be managed in a timely manner to prevent severe complications. “Dengue’s rapid worldwide spread has elevated it to a serious global burden, placing a significant strain on healthcare resources,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “Roche is committed to supporting the global response to the rise of infectious diseases such as dengue. With our novel Elecsys Dengue antigen test, we enable healthcare systems to diagnose dengue more reliably and efficiently.” The Elecsys Dengue Ag is an in-


vitro diagnostic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of the NS1 antigen of the dengue virus in human serum and plasma, a key marker of acute infection during the first days of illness. The Elecsys Dengue Ag test has a turnaround time of 18 minutes. It is designed for use on Roche’s automated cobas e immunoassay analysers with a throughput from 120 to up to 300 tests/hour. This ensures reliable results for effective patient management during outbreaks and supports surveillance efforts in both endemic and non-endemic settings. The automated nature of the Elecsys and cobas instruments improves laboratory consolidation, workflow, and traceability, reducing manual activities and the potential for human error.


EDITOR’S COMMENT A year of upheaval


It’s probably fair to say that ‘upheaval’ has been the theme of 2025. We have seen plenty of change, disruption and future promises, but very little has managed to come to any sort of conclusion. This leaves many questions to answer in 2026. Plenty of them concern the future of the NHS, and the merger between the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England. The surprise announcement from earlier this year still feels very much a case of ‘jam tomorrow’ as the wheels of government turn slowly. On a more positive note, lots has changed this year to try and smooth the way for new diagnostic technology to be adopted by the NHS, whether that be mirroring approvals for new medtech in foreign markets, innovator passports to aid trusts in making business cases and faster clinical trials. Will the gathering pace of digital pathology adoption – both here in the UK and around the world – help solve workforce issues as promised? With the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) set to publish its report on the state of UK pathology services, what will they find – and what will be needed? As I write, the Autumn Budget is nearing and with tax rises looking more likely to help the chancellor balance her books, a health windfall looks even more improbable. Instead ‘extra’ money for the NHS will


be ‘savings’ resulting from the afore- mentioned merger – but how realistic is that in the near term?


So many questions. But in a world of uncertainty I hope you can at least rely on Pathology in Practice to offer an interesting outlook. This issue sees the conclusion of Stephen MacDonald’s very well received series on risk-based quality management as he offers an action plan incorporating the subjects covered in his seven previous articles. It was also very interesting to speak to noted academic Dr Victoria Bradley recently, about the project which she is heading to found a Community of Practice for advanced practice and consultant biomedical scientists. The project – funded by an IBMS grant – aims to support scientists with clearer pathways for career progression, structured peer support, and mentorship. You can read an introduction to the project from Dr Bradley and colleagues on page 21. Further subjects covered in this issue include hyperviscosity syndrome and its role in associated conditions, the future of precision oncology, tackling sepsis and antimicrobial stewardship, as well as an online tool for quality assessment in genomics.


Enjoy the issue, and we will return in 2026 – hopefully with a few more answers. andymyall@pathologyinpractice.com


Early influenza wave could lead to long and drawn-out winter for NHS


The influenza season has hit the NHS more than a month earlier than usual, with cases three times higher than this time last year; as shown by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) latest surveillance data. Influenza cases increased in the week to 26 October from 6.1% up to 8.2% – largely driven by a spike among school-aged children – and is up from 2.9% this time last year. It follows the warning signs from the Asia-pacific, where Japan has already declared a influenza epidemic, with many schools needing to close. This early increase has prompted concerns of influenza spreading into the wider population in the coming weeks and triggering a “long and drawn-out flu season”. NHS teams are ramping up efforts on its autumn/winter influenza vaccination


WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM DECEMBER 2025


campaign to prevent further spreading of the virus, with over 12 million flu vaccines delivered so far this autumn. This includes more than 6.7 million influenza vaccines delivered to over 65s, 1.8 million to school- aged children and over 366,000 to two- and three-year-olds – thanks to NHS staff making it as easy as possible for those eligible to get vaccinated this year by improving access and delivering vaccines closer to home in the community.


Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “This early rise of influenza in children is particularly concerning – especially given that influenza circulation in children normally precedes that in adults – so it’s vitally important those eligible come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible to avoid a long and drawn-out influenza season.”


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