CONTENTS PPi February 2026


Volume 27 Issue 1


COVER STORY 6


Biobanking: a cornerstone of modern biomedical science Biobanking has become a cornerstone of modern biomedical science, underpinning advances in diagnostics, epidemiology and personalised medicine.


OPINION Place-based innovation and its role in improving health


NEWS


5 9


ARTICLES Microbial technology in practice: the good, the bad and the bugly 17 Previewing this year’s British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference, featuring an exciting programme that focuses on microbiology practice.


Using rapid diagnostics to streamline CPE infection control


Liquid biopsy: transforming cancer research through circulating biomarkers


21


Dr Natasha Ratnaraja and Katie Jones describe how near-patient CPE testing with rapid PCR diagnostics for stroke patients has benefitted this high-risk care pathway.


Improving HER2 classification with molecular testing


Recent changes in HER2 scoring in breast cancer have further complicated an already challenging diagnosis. Vinicio Tassani makes the case for adding molecular testing to the mix.


Transforming IBD monitoring with at-home calprotectin testing


Detailing a recent pilot study examining at- home faecal calprotectin testing for IBD patients, using a digitally integrated, patient-led model and a quantitative lateral flow calprotectin assay.


Evolution of urinalysis: the journey from dipstick to digital solution


An insight into the evolution of urinalysis and how digital solutions could address some of the issues associated with urinalysis.


Calls to ‘unblock UK MedTech bottlenecks’


New research reveals systemic barriers facing UK MedTech startups and spinouts and calls for coordinated reform across regulation, investment and NHS adoption.


26


With technological advances driving innovation in oncology, Uwe Jäntges explores the transformative potential of liquid biopsy technology in cancer research.


Early-onset colorectal cancer: an increasing healthcare issue


Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at a selection of current research focusing on the recent increased incidence of cancer affecting the lower intestinal tract in the younger age group.


Editor Andy Myall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .andymyall@stepcomms.com


Science Editor Brian Nation CSci FIBMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . briannation@stepcomms.com Publisher Geoff King. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .geoffking@stepcomms.com Business Manager Peter Moon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . petermoon@stepcomms.com


Journal Administration Katy Cockle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .katycockle@stepcomms.com Design Laurence Hallam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .laurencehallam@stepcomms.com Publishing Director Trevor Moon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . trevormoon@stepcomms.com


Advisory Panel


Dr Nigel Brown FIBMS Gavin Knight CSci FIBMS Wendy Leversuch CSci FIBMS Dame Dr Suzy Lishman CBE FRCPath Dr Stephen MacDonald FRCPath


Prof Gerry McKenna DSc CSci FIBMS Malcolm Needs CSci FIBMS Dr Sarah Pit CSci FIBMS Dr John Rees FIBMS


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reliance should be placed upon its contents as being applicable to any particular circumstances. This publication is copyright under the Berne Convention and the International Copyright Convention.


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