The Microbiology laboratory at South West London Pathology (SWLP) is now following advice set out in the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigation for the investigation of faecal specimens for Clostridioides difficile (UKHSA) regarding criteria for C. difficile testing.
News and events
March 8, 2026
Ambition and success: Anna Parley on International Women’s Day
For Anna Parley, Communications and Marketing Lead at South West London Pathology, International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a moment of reflection.
March 2, 2026
Immunology Laboratory upgrade – latest updates
The Immunology Laboratory is undergoing a major upgrade in partnership with Siemens. The project includes installation of a new automated sample handling system, consolidation of lab testing onto fewer analytical platforms and repatriation of many tests.
February 16, 2026
A day in the life of Thomas Walton, SWLP’s Chemistry Network Lead
In the fast-paced world of pathology, where millions of samples are processed to unlock the secrets of health and disease, leadership is less about sitting behind a desk and more about orchestrating a complex, human-centred operation. For Thomas Walton, the Chemistry Network Lead for SWLP, every day is a dynamic puzzle of people, processes, and innovation.
February 13, 2026
Balancing a career, a degree, and family; Veneta Simitchieva’s apprenticeship journey
For National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we meet Veneta Simitchieva, a Level 3 Apprentice in Cellular Pathology who is juggling her career, a degree, and being a mum to an 11-year-old. She shares her story of pursuing professional registration and the unique rewards of her role.
February 12, 2026
This Heart Month, SWLP Is diagnosing faster
February is National Heart Month, a time to raise awareness, wear red, and take steps for healthier hearts. But at South West London Pathology, we’re celebrating with a breakthrough that’s already changing patient care.
February 12, 2026
All immunology samples should now be sent in yellow top blood tubes
The SWLP Immunology laboratory is installing new pre-analytic equipment to increase sample capacity and streamline workflows. As a result, all Immunology samples should be collected into yellow top blood tubes (serum separator tube/SST), as indicated on sample labels.
February 3, 2026
IHC laboratory upgrade in Cellular Pathology
Our newly refurbished Immunohistochemistry (IHC) laboratory is now fully operational. This is now one of the largest IHC laboratory in the country. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a powerful laboratory technique which use antibodies to detect specific proteins (antigens) in tissue samples, helping diagnose diseases like cancer, infections, and neurological disorders, classify tumor types, guide treatment, and study disease progression by visualising where these proteins are located under a microscope.
January 20, 2026
SWLP pioneers national first in emergency heart care
In a significant advance for emergency medicine, SWLP has become the first pathology network in the country to successfully implement a groundbreaking point-of-care, high-sensitivity troponin testing pathway within the busy Emergency Department at Kingston Hospital. This transformative development is set to profoundly improve the care and experience of the many patients who arrive with chest pain, a symptom that demands both swift and accurate assessment.