HSL Analytics is a partnership between University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (the Royal Free London) and The Doctors Laboratory. Clinical Biochemistry HSL at 60 Whitfield Street has a fully automated laboratory offering a range of routine biochemical tests to UCLH and local GPs. In addition, Special Biochemistry offers a range of laboratory services for the specialist investigation of endocrine, protein and urological disorders to UCLH and many other hospitals throughout the UK.

Service management

Other contact information

Consultant chemical pathologist:
Dr Atul Goyale atul.goyale1@nhs.net 

Consultant clinical scientist:
Dr Francis Lam francis.lam@nhs.net  

Manual blood sciences manager: 
Oneal Joseph Oneal.joseph@hslpathology.com

Address

Clinical biochemistry
60 Whitfield Street
London W1T 4EU

Referral address

Clinical Biochemistry
HSL Analytics LLP
60 Whitfield St
London W1T 4EU

The status of the laboratory is accredited by UKAS to ISO15189 (UKAS references 8169 and 10204). The scope and nature of tests performed is specific and amendments can occur. Please contact the laboratory for an update of accreditation status.

Renal calculi and stones from other sources (e.g. gallstones, salivary stones) are analysed by quantitative Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results are reported as weight of stone, description and per cent composition.

Associated tests

We offer quantitative analysis of urinary calcium, phosphate, oxalate, citrate, urate and cystine for the investigation of renal stone formers. In addition, we offer primary hyperoxaluria metabolites test that measures urinary glycolate, glycerate and 2,4-dihydroxyglutarate for the evaluation of patients with possible primary hyperoxaluria.

Plasma oxalate analysis is available to assist with determining the efficacy of dialysis in patients with primary hyperoxaluria.

Contact:

Mr Robin Pryke: robin.pryke@hslpathology.com

Special Chemistry laboratory special.chemistry@hslpathology.com 

Plasma ACTH, serum growth hormone and serum IGF-1 are analysed daily by two-site immunometric assays. IGF-1 results are reported with age-related reference ranges.

Metanephrines (normetanephrine, metanepharine and 3-methoxytryramine) are analysed on a weekly basis by LC-MS/MS (plasma) or HPLC-ECD (urine). Urine 5-HIAA is also available. Urgent analyses can be performed on a priority basis but must be arranged with the lab in advance.

Contact:
Dr Francis Lam francis.lam@nhs.net

Emma Woolman emma.woolman@hslpathology.com 

A CPA-accredited laboratory

A UKAS accredited laboratory

The primary hyperoxalurias (PH) are a group of inherited disorders of endogenous oxalate overproduction that lead to increased urine oxalate, nephrocalcinosis and/or recurrent stones, with renal failure in the most severe cases. There are at least three types:

  • PH1 – deficiency of alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) encoded by the AGXT gene on chromosome 2q
  • PH2 – lack of glyoxylate reductase (GR) encoded by the GRHPR gene on chromosome 9
  • PH3 – lack of 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate aldolase encoded by the HOGA1 gene on chromosome 10

The department offers a unique service for the evaluation of primary hyperoxaluria We now offer a PH metabolite test –simultaneous analysis of urine glycolate, glycerate, 2,4-dihydroxyglutarate in patients with known hyperoxaluria to focus genetic testing. In addition, we offer analysis of AGT and GRHPR enzymes in liver biopsy if required for confirmation of PH1 and PH2. Sample details are available on request.

Contact:

Robin Pryke robin.pryke@hslpathology.com

Special chemistry laboratory special.chemistry@hslpathology.com 

The protein laboratory offers protein electrophoresis and immunofixation (serum and urine), serum free light chains and serum amyloid A for investigating lymphoproliferative disorders and amyloidosis. The laboratory also offers apolipoprotein A1 and B analysis for lipid disorders, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) and alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotyping for hepatic disorders and analysis of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes to investigate macro-enzyme interference of total CK and ALP results or to elucidate the source of the raised enzyme. Other assays available are cryoglobulin screening, IgG subclasses and erythropoietin.

Contact details:

General protein enquires: halol2.proteins@hslpathology.com

Simon Salter: simon.salter@hslpathology.com

Celeste Snowden: celeste.snowden@hslpathology.com

A UKAS accredited laboratory

We offer a number of tests for the investigation of adrenal function and have a specialist interest in diagnosis and management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The service is a Supraregional Assay Service (SAS).

tests include:

  • urine steroid profiling
  • 17-Hydroxyprogesterone

Androstenedione

Contact details:
Dr Francis Lam francis.lam@nhs.net 

Krithika Subramaniam krithika.subramaniam@nhs.net  

A UKAS accredited laboratory

The bulk of GP work goes through our automated laboratory. 

Queries about these tests are best dealt with by calling the Clinical Biochemistry helpdesk on 020 3447 9953 or 020 3447 9405

Please note: staff are not permitted to give results directly to patients.

Queries which cannot be dealt with by the Helpdesk will be forwarded to the duty biochemist (9.00am - 5.00pm) or to the consultant on call (out of hours). The duty biochemist can also be contacted directly for clinical queries via the following email address Duty.Biochemist@hslpathology.com