HSL Rapid Response Laboratories: Specialist services
Lipid Clinics (at Royal Free London only)
The department has a long-standing interest in the management of lipid disorders including familial hypercholesterolaemia. The department hosts a nationally recognised specialist clinical and laboratory service for the management of inherited lipoprotein disorders as well as complex lipoprotein abnormalities and their investigation. It is renowned for providing an integrated service for the management of familial hypercholesterolaemia, with cascade testing supported by clinical nurse specialists. There is also a paediatric service.
Supra Regional Assay Service (SAS) for Cardiovascular Biomarkers (at Royal Free London only)
The SAS service for cardiovascular biomarkers supports the investigation of complex lipoprotein abnormalities. Senior clinicians for the SAS centre can be contacted for advice on appropriate investigations.
The centre also supports research and development through a research laboratory. We work with several collaborators both nationally and internationally on projects related to cardiac biomarkers and lipoprotein metabolism.
Any R and D enquiries should be directed to HSL R&D department contact Siddra Noureen at siddra.noureen@tdlpathology.com. Senior staff are always happy to discuss and advise on the appropriate choice of tests as well as providing clinical advice.
Andrology (At North Middlesex and Barnet Hospitals only)
The department operates an appointment only policy for the acceptance of semen samples for analysis. Patients who wish to use the service may book appointments on the following numbers:
North Middlesex University Hospital
020 8887 2925
Barnet General Hospital
020 3912 0366
Appointments can be made hourly from 08:30 to 12 noon Monday to Friday.
Samples can only be accepted if booked as it is a requirement of the Human Embryology and Fertilisation Authority that only one specimen is dealt with at a time.
Semen analysis is performed on a specimen of semen produced after a minimum of two days’ and a maximum of 5 days’ abstinence from sexual intercourse. A pre- produced specimen must be brought to Pathology Specimen Reception at the appointed time. It must be collected directly into a pre-weighed specimen container (provided from Specimen Reception) and maintained at body temperature (keep in trouser pocket).
The specimen must be delivered to the laboratory within 50 minutes of collection.
There are no facilities at North Middlesex Hospital for specimen collection. There are no facilities at Barnet.
Results are available:
- Post vasectomy: after 1 day
- Infertility: after 4 days