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NICE recommends age-based blood tests for ovarian cancer to improve detection

Under proposed updates from NICE, more cases of ovarian cancer could be identified at an earlier stage by moving away from a uniform blood test threshold and introducing age-specific criteria. The guidance suggests tailoring the interpretation of CA125 test results to a woman’s age rather than applying a single cut-off for everyone. Ovarian cancer affects approximately one in fifty women…
Ben Kemp
January 20, 2026
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Researchers find simple blood test can safely stop antibiotic treatment in sepsis patients two days earlier

Researchers from the University of Manchester, led by Professor Paul Dark, have discovered that a simple blood test can inform doctors when it is safe to stop antibiotics in patients recovering from sepsis. The review includes 21 studies involving more than 6,000 patients who underwent blood tests for procalcitonin, a biomarker that becomes elevated during bacterial infections. The analysis was…
Ben Kemp
January 19, 2026
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Media Monitoring: 31st December – 7th January

Centre cuts blood test waits from weeks to hours People who need a routine blood test at their GP surgery are being offered a chance to get them more quickly at a centre in Hull. The Community Diagnostic Centre on Albion Street is working with a growing number of GP practices to offer the tests, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS…
Ben Kemp
January 6, 2026
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New job opportunity: Contracts Manager at Sysmex

Sysmex are seeking a Contracts Manager to join their Commercial Support Services team. If you have the following attributes, you may consider applying here: Strong knowledge of tender and procurement regulations and commercial contract law Hands-on experience with NHS managed service contracts Understanding of UK diagnostics and healthcare market Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills Commercial awareness, attention to detail,…
Ben Kemp
January 5, 2026
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New qualifications in MedTech to tackle skills shortage

New Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) have been created by the Government to address skills shortages in the UK’s MedTech sector, with the aim of supporting workforce growth and improving NHS productivity. The qualifications can be delivered by colleges, private training providers and universities, and are designed to prepare learners for roles including technicians working with AI-enabled health technologies, such as…
Ben Kemp
January 5, 2026
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Baroness Nicola Blackwood appointed Chair of the Health Data Research Service

Baroness Blackwood has been appointed by the government as Chair of the Health Data Research Service (HDRS) - backed by up to £600 million in funding from the government and Wellcome. Baroness Blackwood is a recognised leader in life sciences and innovation. She is Chair of Oxford University Innovation and Genomics England and also serves on the boards of biotechnology…
Ben Kemp
December 9, 2025
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Media Monitoring: 20th – 26th November

MHRA-led study reveals major inconsistencies in global microbiome research A landmark international study led by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has exposed significant variability in microbiome research methods across the world, highlighting an urgent need to adopt unified standards for the global harmonisation of gut microbiome research. The study involved leading laboratories across multiple countries testing identical samples…
Ben Kemp
November 26, 2025
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UKHSA ESPAUR report reveals worrying AMR trends

On the eve of World AMR Awareness Week, UKHSA released their latest ESPAUR report. The report, which monitors antimicrobial utilisation and resistance in England annually, revealed the following alarming statistics: Deaths in people with an antibiotic-resistant infection increased by 16.6% between 2023 and 2024 An average of 400 new cases of antibiotic-resistant infections each week in 2024 A 9.3% rise…
Ben Kemp
November 25, 2025
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MHRA and NHS launch new partnership to support innovation across London’s health and care system

MHRA and the NHS in London are launching a new collaborative partnership to support responsible innovation across our capital's health and care system. They envisage the creation of a London Innovation Sandbox – a safe, structured space where health system innovators can collaborate with regulators. By working together in a collaborative environment, the MHRA aim to accelerate innovations that address…
Ben Kemp
November 25, 2025
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Government must make urgent changes to restore confidence of UK life sciences sector, Committee warns

Dame Chi Onwurah, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, has written to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to warn that urgent changes to the processes behind pricing and uptake of new medicines and health technologies are needed to restore confidence in the UK’s life sciences sector. This letter comes after the Committee held evidence sessions in September and October…
Ben Kemp
November 25, 2025