All articles by Vemula Pravalika
Vemula Pravalika
Take microbiology labs to the next level in efficiency
Automated sample handling and processing go a long way towards ensuring efficiency, traceability, optimal staff usage and more streamlined workflows. To automate their microbiology workflow, Biopole 66, part of the Inovie Group labs, chose the BD Kiestra, a microbiology automation solution designed to give laboratories an elevated standard in sample processing. This is an innovative offering by BD, one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world, which is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and delivery of care.
Treat chronic wounds with a haemoglobin-based spray
Mölnlycke’s Granulox, a topical haemoglobin-based spray for the treatment of chronic wounds, improves patient outcomes by oxygenating the base of their wounds and has been shown to result in shorter healing time, reduced pain scores and total cost savings for healthcare providers compared with the standard of care. Diabetic foot specialist Rosalyn Thomas explains how it has contributed to her practice.
QIAGEN announces partnership with Penn State University to advance microbiome sciences
QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced a first-in-kind collaboration with Penn State University in the United States to create a shared research and education facility for the fast-developing microbiome sciences.
European Commission approves Roche’s Tecentriq SC, the EU’s first PD-(L)1 cancer immunotherapy subcutaneous injection for multiple cancer types
Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that the European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for Tecentriq® SC (atezolizumab), the European Union (EU)’s first PD-(L)1 cancer immunotherapy for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Last year, more than 38,000 people in the EU received Tecentriq to treat different types of lung, liver, bladder and breast cancer.7 Until now, Tecentriq has been given directly into patients’ veins by IV infusion which takes approximately 30-60 minutes.6 The new subcutaneous injection will cut treatment time to approximately seven minutes, with most injections taking between four and eight minutes.6 The marketing authorisation applies to all approved indications of Tecentriq IV.7
Automation at Wisplinghoff Laboratories
Automation is transforming the way we do things, and that rings true for many of the everyday tasks that take place in laboratories. Wisplinghoff Laboratories in Cologne is well known for its automation approach to processing. Professor Dr Hilmar Wisplinghoff, its microbiology lead, talks about how the technology makes a difference, and what could be next on its innovation agenda.
SEM an early indicator of pressure injuries
Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers, are a major global healthcare problem, occurring in both acute, long stay and community healthcare settings. These injuries have a significant humanitarian and economic impact, but are largely considered a preventable ‘never event’. For prevention to be successful, it is essential that patients at risk of a pressure injury are identified, and that appropriate interventions are initiated early. International expert guidelines for pressure injury prevention recommend patient assessment on admission, and daily thereafter. Jonathan Busby, global senior clinical manager at Arjo, explains further.
For the detection of CMV in infants
Despite its high prevalence, with one in 200 babies in the US being born with a CMV infection, few people are aware of Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, a member of the herpes family of viruses. If transmitted from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby, it can have severe and long-lasting effects on the child. DiaSorin Molecular – and the Simplexa test it offers, which can work through both saliva and urine – helps explain how CMV is transmitted, why it is important to detect as early as possible, and why the Simplexa test is ideal for early detection.
The fight against antimicrobial resistance
As Dr Ron Daniels BEM, executive director of the UK Sepsis Trust and vice-president of the Global Sepsis Alliance, explains, antimicrobial resistance poses significant challenges to the future of patient treatment. Through the example of sepsis, he suggests that products, like those developed by companies such as Q-linea, allow physicians to use antibiotics with greater efficiency, thus reducing chances of inadequate treatment and antimicrobial resistance.
Practical perspective on wound infection
By carefully following the wound infection continuum and using appropriate products, HCPs can improve wound healing and prevent complications such as amputation. Kim Wilde, advanced podiatrist at the Manchester Local Care Organisation, explains how she uses B. Braun’s Askina Calgitrol and Prontosan products to protect her patients.
Seegene Announces Collaboration with Microsoft to Realize ‘a World Free from All Diseases’
Microsoft’s General Manager of Global Health and Life Sciences Elena Bonfiglioli, left, and Dr. Jong-yoon Chun, CEO and founder of Seegene, pose for a photo during a OneSystem™ Strategic Collaboration Signing Ceremony between Seegene and Microsoft in London, UK, on January 23.