Abbott-sponsored session gets to grips with being 60 at FOCUS 2013

Corresponding with the 60th Anniversary of the Association for Clinical Biochemistry, Abbott recently hosted an enthusiastically received session at the Annual ACB FOCUS National Meeting held in York, entitled The Diamond Generation; Pathology begins at 60. The session was attended by over 80 visitors and included thought-provoking and informative presentations from leading UK clinicians on a range of conditions affecting the aging population.

Chaired by Professor Garry John, Consultant Clinical Biochemist and Head of the Clinical Biochemistry Department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, proceedings opened with an overview of the clinical conundrum and complexity of management presented by older patients suffering from metabolic and multi¬organ diseases. Neurological disorders and the link with vitamin deficiency was the next subject tackled, stressing the importance of early detection of a deficient status and the need for an accurate and efficient laboratory testing strategy.

With heart failure becoming a growing concern for the Health Service, the next topic was the use of biomarkers and personalized treatment strategies, and how these might improve the assessment and management of cardiac patients. The session concluded with a discussion of the needs and complexities of the treatment and management of the ever-increasing number of diabetic patients. The varied presentations were well received by delegates, who gained a valuable insight into recent developments in the field.