IBMS Congress 2013 – Advancing Excellence in Biomedical Science

26 Aug 2013
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Industry news

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the professional body for biomedical scientists in the United Kingdom. The IBMS aims to promote and develop the role of biomedical science, by supporting scientists in their education and training, improving standards of practice, representing the profession and working with organizations to improve laboratory service.

The Institute was founded in 1912 and represents over 19,000 members employed predominately within the healthcare arena, but also within university and veterinary laboratories, government agencies and other services. Other members also work in related commercial fields and academia. Although most Institute members live and work in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, many other members are employed throughout the world.

The biennial Biomedical Science Congress is eagerly anticipated throughout the biomedical community. Most hospitals in the country will send attendees to be briefed on the latest scientific advances for the healthcare community. The Congress consists of 3 full days of active learning in science, education, training, management and leadership. Attendees can pick and choose from 250+ presentations, posters, papers, workshops, master-classes across all disciplines in biomedical science.

This year's Biomedical Science Congress reflects the professions ever-more interactive relationship
with patients. The programme reflects the scientific knowledge, technical skills, personal qualities and attitudes which are critically needed for changing our profession. The Congress also takes into account that the scientific community within biomedical science is growing to accommodate the roles performed by support workers. The aim of the Biomedical Science Congress is to advance excellence in biomedical science to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of society.

In 9 parallel sessions running simultaneously, the educational content covers topics in all of the leading scientific disciplines as well as including a 3-day programme that deals with the key issues in education, training, management and leadership.

As well as a packed scientific programme, the IBMS Congress hosts a major exhibition giving laboratory professionals the chance to view the latest technological advances in laboratory diagnostics. The IBMS, in partnership with a number of exhibiting companies at IBMS Congress 2013, have announced a series of new technology showcases and presentations taking place on 23 and 24 September at the ICC, Birmingham.

The showcases include themes such as:

• A lean approach to urine microbiology
• Future of totally automated electrophoresis in the 21st century
• Seralite Dual kappa and Lambda light chain test – providing rapid, specific and sensitive results at point of care
• Virtual microscopy

You can visit the IBMS Congress Exhibition and any number of the showcase events for free by registering here.

For booking fees and registration for the IBMS Congress click here.

In its multi-disciplinary format and major exhibition, Congress brings together the best in science and technology, and addresses the role of biomedical scientists in the context of the current policies and best practices that are shaping the profession.

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Blood TransfusionBlood Transfusion involves giving donor blood to a recipient patient. Screening is essential to avoid transfusion reactions. Blood banks use immunohematological techniques to determine rh and ABO blood group, and screen for antibodies using specific antisera. Blood Banks use Direct Coombs Tests (DCT) and Indirect Coombs Tests (IAT) to detect hemolysis and Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Embryology / IVFEmbryology refers to the development of an embryo resulting from the fertilization of the ovum, to fetus stage. In vitro fertilization (IVF) refers to the fertilization of the egg outside of the human body, and is an important treatment for infertility.IBMSIBMS
IBMS Congress 2013 – Advancing Excellence in Biomedical Science