Our laboratories

South East Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SE-HMDS)

The South East Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SE-HMDS) provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art regional service for the diagnosis and monitoring of haematological malignancies and, acquired and constitutional bone marrow failure syndromes.

The principles of the HMDS are predicated on a single point of referral for all samples/requests, performing the right test at the right time. We then integrate all the test results as one diagnostic report, as closely aligned to the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of haematological malignancies as possible. We routinely review results/test referrals, and reflex additional testing, as part of this process, and are grateful to our referrers for providing comprehensive clinical information (including blood tests results) in order to perform the correct tests and provide an accurate diagnosis.

This specialist service is compliant with the 2016 NICE guideline (NG47) on Haematological cancers: improving outcomes, including providing integrated diagnostic reporting, contributing to local and regional MDT meetings and to Genomic Tumour Advisory Boards (GTABs). Diagnostic services are provided across several specialist integrated laboratories, including immunophenotyping, cytogenetic and molecular genetics services and histopathology. Our laboratories are UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and participate in external quality assurance schemes.

Our current test Request Forms can be seen on the SE Genomics website under ‘Cancer (haematological malignancy) tests’.

For our SIHMDS service users we have an online web-based results portal designed to inform MDTs and treatment decisions prior to issue of the final integrated report. For new user access please complete the short form here.

The service has a broad research, development and innovation portfolio enabling rapid adoption of new tests and technologies into routine clinical practice, and provides testing within the clinical trials setting. The service provides an effective interface with Clinical Haemato-Oncology services through Multidisciplinary meetings (MDM), and there is an active programme of education with both live and recorded webinars available via the KHP website.

The SE-HMDS offers a comprehensive repertoire of diagnostic tests, including but not limited to:

• Bone marrow aspirate morphology
• Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry
  •   PB, BM, CSF and fluid immunophenotyping
  •   Acute leukaemia presentation & MRD panels
  •   Chronic lymphoid and myeloid panels
  •   PNH diagnosis & monitoring
• Histopathology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Tissue genomics
• Cytogenetics
  • Conventional karyotype analysis
  • FISH Studies
  • SNP array karyotyping
• Molecular Diagnostics
  • Single gene molecular diagnostics
  • NGS Panels: covering myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms
  • Genomic monitoring including molecular MRD
  • Whole genome sequencing
  • Transplant monitoring

Genomic tests within SE-HMDS are commissioned and funded by NHS England, via the South East GMS, and follow the National Genomic Test Directory. Genomic testing for inherited haematological conditions, including inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, is performed by the Red Cell Centre.

Further information can be found on the following pages:

Cytogenetics 

Immunophenotyping 

Laboratory for Molecular Haemato-Oncology