Evaluation of the continuing professional development scheme of the Institute of Biomedical Science.

As part of a review of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), 10 years after it started, a survey was conducted. A questionnaire was distributed to all Institute members in July 2002. By the end of September, replies had been received from 777 biomedical scientists, representing a range of ages, grades and disciplines, and working for a variety of employers throughout the UK and overseas.

Processing of cardiac valve allografts: 2. Effects of antimicrobial treatment on sterility, structure and mechanical properties.

This is the second in a series of papers that report experiments to investigate the properties required for effective tissue valve implants. This paper is concerned with investigations into alternative antimicrobial treatments and the effect these treatments produce on the structural and biomechanical properties of ovine aortic valves. Six treatments were studied: heat, peracetic acid (at two concentrations), chlorine dioxide, a surfactant cleaning agent and a solvent/detergent treatment.

Internal quality assurance in a clinical virology laboratory. II. Internal quality control.

Aims: In April 1991 additional quality control procedures were introduced into the virology section of the Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Cambridge. Internal quality control (IQC) samples were gradually included in the serological assays performed in the laboratory and supplemented kit controls and standard sera.

Methods: From April 1991 to December 1993, 2421 IQC procedures were carried out with reference sera.

Internal quality assurance in a clinical virology laboratory. I. Internal quality assessment.

Aims: In April 1991 an internal quality assessment scheme (IQAS) was introduced into the virology section of the Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Cambridge. The IQAS was established to identify recurring technical and procedural problems, to check the adequacy of current techniques, and to calculate the frequency of errors.

Methods: Between April 1991 and December 1993, 715 anonymous clinical serum samples were submitted to the laboratory to test 3245 individual procedures of diagnostic viral serology.

Viral and toxoplasma gondii infections in children after liver transplantation.

The incidence and morbidity of viral and Toxoplasma gondii infections were studied in 40 children who underwent liver transplantation between December 1983 and February 1988. The incidence of primary and reactivated cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was 19% and 47%, respectively; primary infection caused clinical disease in all five cases affected and was fatal in one. Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection occurred in 10 (26%) recipients but caused only mild disease.