Official opening of new Blood Sciences Laboratory and Molecular Laboratory (Nov 2007)

Ben Bradshaw MP, Minister of State for Health Services, officially opened the new Blood Sciences Laboratory and Molecular Pathology Laboratory at King’s College Hospital on 5th November.

John Watson, General Manager for Clinical, Scientific and Diagnostic Services, explains why this is such an important development for King's: “The Blood Sciences Laboratory is more than just an advanced processing unit – it gives us a vision for the future of pathology. At the most basic level, we now have vastly increased capacity for processing tests, getting results to doctors and their patients earlier and helping to improve the diagnostic process, while freeing up staff time for more specialist testing which requires greater clinical interpretation. At the same time, our partnership with Siemens allows us to support research and clinical trials with pharmaceutical and public sector partners.”

The Minister was also shown the new Molecular Pathology Laboratory at King's, an exciting facility which is being used to develop a new generation of diagnostic tests using genetic technology. Professor Ghulam Mufti, Clinical Director for Haemato-Oncology at King's, leads the service: “Molecular technology really is the future direction for pathology. Whereas traditional blood tests give a ‘high level’ diagnosis based on set criteria, molecular tests use DNA to give a much more detailed picture of the patient and how their condition is affecting them, allowing us to deliver treatment and care which is specific to that patient's needs and which is more likely to succeed.”

November 8, 2007, 3:48 pm