Research services

In addition to the routine diagnostic services offered by MDU we also undertake specialist laboratory assays in support of clinical research projects, generally on batches of samples rather than in real-time. Currently available methods include:

• Serological assays for the specific detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies in serum, with no cross-reactivity to Chlamydia pneumonia. These assays are 85% sensitive in women and 97% specific and underpin epidemiological surveys of infection and monitoring of the efficacy of screening programmes.
• Ultra-sensitive detection and quantification of plasma-virus HIV-1 using real-time PCR to a level of <5 RNA copies/ml.
• Bespoke PCR amplification, consensus and deep sequencing and SNiP analysis of any RNA or DNA target by conventional (Sanger) or next-generation (NGS – MiSeq) sequencing.
• Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of drug concentrations in plasma/serum using ultra performance liquid chromatography for discovery, preclinical and clinical studies.

Should you wish to utilise any of these services, or discuss other requirements for molecular diagnostic methods for infectious-disease-related projects, please contact the Unit Head or Unit Manager. We are always pleased to have new challenges.

Unit Head - Professor Graham Taylor (g.p.taylor@imperial.ac.uk)
Deputy Head of Unit - Anjna Badhan (anjna.badhan@imperial.ac.uk)

We are prepared to consider any request for specialist molecular diagnostic tests.