Sep 8, 2010 | Instruments & Equipment, Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology, Management & Operations
Advanced histology staining equipment will capture a greater market share
There’s good news for anatomic pathologists in the forecast from one expert watching the U.S. market in equipment for clinical diagnostics. According to Winny Tan, Ph.D, a Senior Analyst with Frost & Sullivan, the increasing rate of cancer incidence in the U.S. will drive robust growth in tissue-based diagnostics.
She predicts that revenues from that segment will more than double by 2016, growing from the $1.029 billion in 2009 to $2.278 billion in 2016. Tan made her predictions in an article in the May 15, 2010 issue of Genetic Engineering News.
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Aug 30, 2010 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Comprehensive genetic test database intended for use by pathologists, physicians, researchers and consumers
Pathologists and clinical laboratory managers will soon have a comprehensive registry of genetic tests that they can consult as needed. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is creating a single public registry with detailed information about both genetic test providers and the 1,600+ genetic tests these providers offer.
The NIH believes the genetic test registry will bring greater transparency to the field. It hopes that the registry creates increased information-sharing about the different genetic tests which are available. Participation in the registry will be voluntary, though groups such as the Genetic Alliance have called for making it mandatory to help weed out what they call “the bad actors” in the industry.
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Aug 24, 2010 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Hefty purchase price sends message to pathologists and clinical laboratory executives
For any pathologist still harboring doubts about the future of digital pathology, yesterday’s surprise news that Roche Holding AG (VTX:ROG.VX) will pay $100 million to acquire BioImagene, Inc., provides compelling evidence that the digital pathology marketplace is ready for prime time.
Roche announced that it will pay $100 million to buy privately-held BioImagene of Sunnyvale, California. The purchase will be handled by Roche’s Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., and the deal is expected to close in just a few weeks. After the acquisition, BioImagene will operate as part of Ventana. BioImagene has emerged as one of the early leaders in selling digital scanners and digital pathology systems.
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Aug 11, 2010 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Trend is toward increased use of automation, particularly modular and task-targeted solutions, by medical laboratories across the globe
Worldwide, growing numbers of clinical pathology laboratories and medical laboratories are purchasing total laboratory automation (TLA) systems. This is evidence that the latest generation of laboratory automation products are more robust in use compared to prior years and can be purchased at a price that produces an acceptable return on investment (ROI).
However, the acceptance of total laboratory automation in clinical pathology laboratories is not universal. Only in selected countries have significant numbers of medical laboratories embraced laboratory automation as a way to improve productivity, reduce errors, and boost quality.
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Aug 9, 2010 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Testing ceases following July 19 inspection by officials from CMS and CAP
Last Friday, The Washington Post broke the news that Georgetown University Hospital (GUH) had closed the pathology laboratory that performed certain breast cancer tests. The action—described as an “unprecedented” suspension by GUH Chief Medical Officer Stephen Evans, M.D.—was taken in response to an investigation of the pathology laboratory by federal officials.
The closure of the laboratory followed an inspection on July 19, 2010 by officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and inspectors from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Hospital officials say the molecular testing laboratory in question will be closed as long as four to eight weeks. During this time, specimens are being referred to outside laboratory testing sources.
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