Editorial Article: Innovation Academy: Good Science Equals Good Medicine

Innovative approaches in clinical diagnostics are at the heart of the drive to improve outcomes for patients in the key priority areas in healthcare. Sometimes new technology leads development; sometimes opportunities are created through a deeper scientific understanding of the underlying biology. In every case, better care should be the desired measure of success. This exclusive three-part series, based on material from the Viapath Innovation Academy, examines some specific examples of innovative practices that help to keep people healthy.

Download Part 1: Clinical utility of holotranscobalamin (holoTC, ‘Active’ B12) for the screening of vitamin B12 deficiency: application in a mixed patient population

While several methods exist for measuring vitamin B12 deficiency, these are beset by difficulties, including low sensitivity and specificity. Recent research has shown that the metabolically active portion of B12 (transcobalamin bound) – holotranscobalamin (holoTC) – offers a more reliable indication of B12 status.

Download Part 2: Impact of fecal calprotectin assay service on investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms

King’s College Hospital (KCH) was the first in the UK to study the measurement of fecal calprotectin as a valuable tool in the diagnostic pathway of GI tract diseases. It has now been proven to be a valuable biomarker, reducing the need for unpleasant colonoscopies.

Download Part 3: Introducing a complete biogenic amines service for the diagnosis / post-surgical monitoring of adult endocrine cancers

Innovative sample pre-treatment methodologies have been developed by the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory at King’s College Hospital (KCH) using novel, state-of-the-art analytical equipment to provide a faster, more reliable biogenic amines service to KCH patients and the wider NHS community.

Learn more about the biogenic amines service in this exclusive interview with Colin Stone, the Service Delivery Manager for Viapath’s (formally GSTS Pathology) Reference Biochemistry Laboratories based at King’s College Hospital, London, UK.