Toxicology
Background
The Toxicology Unit has been built up from the acquisition of the Toxicology Laboratory at Bethlem Royal Hospital and the appointment of clinical scientists specialising in therapeutic drug monitoring.
For many years, the Toxicology Laboratory at Bethlem reflected the needs of this specialist area, providing analyses, interpretation and advice for NHS and non-NHS drug and alcohol addiction services.
As consultant clinical scientist, Dr Robert Flanagan has a great deal of experience in the analysis of Clozapine and other antipsychotic drugs.
Current Research
Project includes the differentiation of street heroin use from prescription opiates. The Toxicology Unit is also involved in the development of assays for antipsychotic drugs. The Toxicology Unit also has an active education and training program to ensure the future of the laboratory.
Recent Developments
The laboratory has recently expanded its services for therapeutic drug monitoring, principally for antipsychotic drugs. Assays for Clozapine, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Amisulpride and Aripiprazole are now available, and further assays are continually being developed.
The Toxicology Unit has also purchased 2 new LCMS systems for the analysis of therapeutic drugs and for drugs of abuse. These systems will increase the range of drugs that can be assayed and allow an improved drugs of abuse service.
Further information on future developments in this section will be posted on this website in due course.
Quality Assurance
The Toxicology Unit participates in the UKNEQAS drugs of abuse and ethanol external QA schemes, and in the UKNEQAS schemes for antipsychotic and anticonvulsant drugs.
Contacts
Tel: 020 3299 5881
Fax: 020 3299 5888
Therapeutic Drug Management
Dr R Flanagan - robert.flanagan@nhs.net
Simon Handley - simon.handley@nhs.net
Drugs of Abuse screening
Dr Kishor Raja - kishor.raja@nhs.net
