Focus On: Winter Flu Season and the Impact on Pathology
It might not seem like the right time to be thinking about the winter flu season whilst we are in the middle of a heatwave, but for the NHS it is imperative that forward planning begins in earnest to meet the intense demands across secondary care.
What is the impact for Pathology?
A severe winter flu season can cause major issues for pathology departments with limited budgets and an under pressure workforce. Much of the additional flu testing required by the hospital is carried out using PCR technology, but with high costs on these assays and full to capacity workflows, this can lead to major issues for pathology:
An Alternative Approach for the Winter Season?
How can pathology departments, with limited budgets, ensure that they can meet the extra demand during the winter season? The answer may be to adopt a novel STAT analyser approach. Traditionally PCR assays do not offer a fast turnaround time, with some systems taking over an hour to provide results. Using an additional smaller analyser with a simpler PCR procedure and a faster turn around time can provide an alternative workflow for urgent flu requests.
The Solana Analyser offers high quality PCR with a simplified procedure, STAT and batch testing for Flu A&B; used as a support analyser the Solana can offer an effective alternative to help alleviate the pressure in pathology this winter season.
