HSL Biochemistry specialities

SAS steroid Biochemistry

The Biochemistry department is an established Supra- Regional Assay Service laboratory for urine steroid profiling, receiving samples from both national and international laboratories, and provides a full interpretative and advisory service. In addition, the specialist section provides serum steroid measurements and interpretative guidance. 

The service uses both gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the measurement of steroids.

Assays available:

• Urine steroid profiling
• 17-hydroxyprogesterone
• Androstenedione

Contact:

Dr Daniel Hills
daniel.hills@hslpathology.com
02033075417

SAS Centre for Cardiac Biomarkers

The network of SAS centers for cardiovascular biomarkers was set up in response to an increasing demand for tests, other than routine lipid profiles, to aid in the assessment of patients with inherited hyperlipidaemia and increased cardiovascular risk.

The Department has a long-standing interest in the management of lipid disorders, with special interests in familial hypercholesterolaemia, anti-retroviral drug-induced hyperlipidaemia, and cardiovascular risk factors in South Asians. In collaboration with the Genetic Knowledge Park, the Centre participated in a project comparing DNA testing with traditional diagnostic methods for FH, funded by the Department of Health.

The Centre is supported by a well-developed clinical infrastructure for lipid disorders, providing the interpretative and advisory service. There are several research and development activities including clinical trials with newer lipid lowering drugs, that the section is involved working with collaborators within the partner Trusts and external organisations, nationally and internationally.

Contact:

Dr Devaki Nair, Director of SAS
Devaki.nair@nhs.net
020 7472 6694

Proteins

The Proteins service covers a broad repertoire of investigations, including those for haematological (protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, serum free light chains, cryoglobulins and erythropoietin) and hepatic (enhanced liver fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotype) disorders, in addition to isoenzyme typing (alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase). The service supports and has a close collaborative relationship with the National Amyloidosis Centre located at The Royal Free Hospital site.

Contact

Simon Salter
simon.salter@hslpathology.com
020 3908 1360

Jack Whitewood
Jack Whitewood@hslpathology.com
02039081363

Calculi and Urology

The calculi service provides an established investigative and interpretative service for the analysis of stones and associated metabolites (citrate, oxalate, cystine/ homocystine screen), including the biochemical evaluation for primary hyperoxalurias (glycolate, glycerate, 2,4-dihydroxyglutarate). The specialist techniques used include Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Samples are received from both national and international sources.

Contact:

Emma Woolman
EmmaWoolman@hslpathology.com
02039081364

Dr Cassie Nash
cassandra.nash@hslpathology.com
02039081365

Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography

The service provides a diverse repertoire of assays, including neuroendocrine tumour markers (plasma/urine metanephrines and urine 5HIAA) and metals (copper, zinc selenium, chromium and cobalt by ICPMS).

A 7-day immunosuppressant TDM (ciclosporin A, tacrolimus, sirolimus) service is provided by the section for transplant services. In addition, the section provides analytical support for the other specialties such as steroids and urology.

Contact:

Emma Woolman
emma.woolman@hslpathology.com
020 3908 1364