South West London Pathology > What we do > Departments and Services > Departments > Histopathology

Histopathology

The histopathology laboratory deals with biopsies, excisions and resection specimens, as well as frozen sections.

We provide routine histopathological diagnoses using both standard techniques and advanced diagnostics including immunocyto-chemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Skin cases form our largest histopathology specialty – the melanoma unit based at St George’s Hospital is a regional referral centre and is one of the busiest melanoma units in the UK.

The hub laboratory is a tertiary referral centre for urology and thoracic surgery and a regional centre for the NHS breast screening programme and the NHS bowel cancer screening programme.

We are part of the London Deanery Histopathology Training Scheme for trainee histocytopathologists.

Our specialist services include:

perinatal pathology
neuropathology
uropathology
respiratory pathology
histochemistry
immunocytochemistry
immunofluorescence
immunosuspension
One Step Nucleic Acid amplification (OSNA) for intraoperative analysis of sentinel lymph node in Breast
frozen sections – rapid diagnosis of surgically
removed specimens
MOHS service
molecular pathology tests:
- EGFR
- NRAS
- BRAF
- ALK
- PDL1
- DDISH.

Latest news

April 7, 2025

SWLP welcomes new Cellular Pathology General Manager Dalian Beaver

Dalian Beaver, the newly appointed General Manager of Cellular Pathology, embodies the power of resilience, determination, and continuous self-improvement. Her journey from a young immigrant navigating a new education system to a senior leader in the NHS is nothing short of inspiring. With nearly two decades of experience in biomedical science and management, Dalian’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of hard work, ambition, and an unwavering self-belief.

March 25, 2025

SWLP preparing to launch cutting-edge digital pathology project

SWLP is spearheading a revolutionary digital pathology project aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing turnaround times for patients. This innovative initiative, which spans multiple hospitals across south west London, is part of a broader national programme designed to modernise cellular pathology services and improve cancer diagnostics. The project will go live in July.

March 13, 2025

New courier contract awarded

Following a lengthy procurement process, the new SWLP courier contract has been awarded to eCourier, which is part of the Royal Mail group.

March 1, 2025

Clinical blood sciences at St George’s Hospital welcomes young people for a Harvey’s Gang tour

This month, the clinical blood sciences laboratory at St George’s Hospital welcomed a group of young people for a tour of the lab. The young visitors are part of the Children and Young People’s Council at the Trust and are regular patients who have frequent blood tests and blood transfusions.