Pathology Focus
2024

In the September edition of Pathology Focus, Assoc. Prof. Chris Barnes sets the stage for a modern investigation into fatigue in women. He provides clinical recommendations for a systematic approach to medical diagnostics aimed at improving patient outcomes. Dr Phoebe Stanford and Dr Stella Pendle explore the clinical utility of non-invasive tests, including urea breath testing, for diagnosing H. pylori, which is responsible for more than 60% of gastric ulcers. The edition concludes with an article on free light chains and multiple myeloma, explaining the importance of ordering both sFLC and EPG to avoid missing myeloma patients.

VIC/QLD    NSW/ACT    SA/NT    WA

In our winter edition of Pathology Focus, Dr Kwee Chin Liew shares the latest information about the three respiratory viruses of concern this season: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Dr Liew also highlights the increase in cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, also known as “walking pneumonia,” and emphasises the importance of testing for respiratory pathogens. Assoc. Prof. Mirette Saad provides clinical insights on the importance of non-invasive prenatal screening for 22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome), the second most common cause of developmental delay after Down syndrome. Our June edition concludes with an article on Vitamin D deficiency by Dr Tony Mak and Dr David Deam, which offers useful clinical information on who to test, when to test, and follow-up testing recommendations.

VIC/QLD    NSW/ACT    SA/NT    WA

This Special Edition of Pathology Focus highlights “The Rise in STIs Post-COVID.” In the lead article, three of our expert pathologists, Dr Sudha Pottumarthy-Boddu, Dr Stella Pendle, and Dr Linda Dreyer, discuss the concerning increase of several STIs in Australia, and Dr David Baker offers a GP’s perspective. Associate Professor Mirette Saad provides details on routine bulk-billed genetic carrier screening for CF, SMA, and FXS, including Medicare eligibility criteria and result interpretation. Additionally, we share insights from two GPs on opportunities to discuss the screening with patients during pre-pregnancy consults. The edition concludes with an article from Associate Professor Louise Smyth on calprotectin testing.

National    WA