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Immunology and Protein Reference Unit

The Immunology Laboratory and Protein Reference Unit is a specialist service based at St George’s Hospital. It provides a comprehensive diagnostic service for immunology across the South West London Pathology network. The department hosts one of two Supraregional Assay Service Protein Reference Units in England UK and serves an extensive client base nationally and internationally, receiving samples from over 100 referring hospitals.

The Protein Reference Unit was established in 1971 under Professor J.R.Hobbs at Westminster Hospital, London. Professor Hobbs was an expert in the analysis of serum proteins, including immunoglobulins. After a brief relocation in 1992 to the Royal Surrey County Hospital at Guildford, the Protein Reference Unit settled at St George’s Hospital.

The Protein Reference Unit maintains its specialist interest and skills in protein analysis, particularly relating to immunoglobulins, including cryoglobulins and heavy chain disease investigations.

The wide and diverse UKAS-accredited repertoire of tests carried out by the Immunology Laboratory and Protein Reference Unit help to exclude, diagnose and monitor a variety of immunologically-based diseases including:

  • allergy
  • immune deficiency
  • hematological malignancy
  • autoimmune disease.

Expert advice is available from our Consultant Clinical Scientist team around appropriate investigation of clinical problems and the interpretation of results. This includes encouraging the most appropriate use of immunology tests and ensuring our service develops to meet changing clinical requirements.

Latest news

March 12, 2024

Beta D Glucan (BDG) testing brought in-house

At the end of last year, testing for Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) was brought in-house. The median turnaround time using the new in-house assay is around two days, which facilitates a greater impact on antifungal stewardship when the result is negative.

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February 28, 2024

New Abbott Alinity system installed at Epsom Hospital

At the end of last year, a new Abbott Alinity GLP automation system was installed in the laboratory at Epsom Hospital, replacing the existing aging equipment.

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February 7, 2024

Pathology Service Update: Results for renin, aldosterone, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, DHEAS and testosterone confirmation now going out at usual

The delay in reporting results for renin, aldosterone, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, DHEAS and testosterone confirmation reported in January has been resolved and results are now going out as usual.

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January 29, 2024

Salmonella detection to be by PCR only from 1 February 2024

From 1 February 2024, Salmonella detection in faeces will be by PCR only and culture will no longer be routinely performed.

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