Speakers
Parallel session
Chair: Catherine Keymer
14.00 Optimizing Patient Outcomes in Gastroenterology: Point-of-Care Solution's - Fadoua El Hiayadi
Quantum Blue® Infliximab is a quantitative lateral flow immunoassay designed for in vitro diagnostic use. It measures infliximab levels in serum samples and supports therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing infliximab therapy. This test combines clinical and laboratory findings to optimize infliximab treatment.
I am introducing this assay in our lab to enable quick results for better patient outcomes, especially for critically ill patients who require immediate action. Currently, we send samples to a referral lab, and it takes 6–8 weeks to receive the results. This delay is often too long or impractical for making timely medical decisions. By implementing the rapid test in our laboratory, we can significantly improve the clinical outcome by enabling timely interventions, optimizing therapy, and avoiding delays that could worsen the patient’s condition. This streamlined process allows clinicians to make informed medical decisions in real time, improving overall patient care and reducing risks associated with prolonged diagnostic timelines.
Key Features:
1. Principle of the Assay:
The test uses a sandwich immunoassay with a recombinant TNFα conjugated to gold colloids. Infliximab in the sample binds to TNFα, and the reaction is quantified by the Quantum Blue® Reader.
Clinical Impact of Rapid Testing:
The introduction of this rapid assay in our laboratory offers several clinical benefits:
• Faster diagnostic turnaround times: Results are available in hours instead of weeks.
• Improved patient management: Real-time information allows for immediate dose adjustments and optimized infliximab therapy.
• Reduced risk for critically ill patients: Timely results enable urgent medical decisions, preventing complications from delayed interventions.
14.30 - TBC
15.00 Measurement of anti-drug antibodies in anti-TNF therapeutic drug monitoring - Allan Dunlop
Adalimumab and Infliximab are biologic drugs that inhibit the action of TNFα, a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. Some patients do not respond to biologic treatment (primary non-responders) whilst others develop a loss of response (secondary non-responders). Anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) are considered a significant factor in loss of response to anti-TNFα therapy. Measurement of ADAs are considered an essential part of therapeutic drug monitoring and patient management. This talk will cover details of current service provision including recent advances in the area.
Fadoua El Hiayadi is a Specialist Biomedical Scientist with extensive experience in multidisciplinary laboratory sciences, including transfusion, haematology, coagulation, and immunology. She has worked in renowned institutions such as Carlos Haya Hospital in Malaga, Spain (2012-2013), and South Hants Hospital (2015-2016), where she worked as a phlebotomist. Currently, she contributes her expertise as a team leader at Southampton General Hospital, focusing on performing advanced laboratory diagnostics and providing clinical support.
With a strong academic foundation and years of hands-on experience, Fadoua is committed to advancing healthcare through innovation and excellence in diagnostics.