Histology/ Histopathology Laboratory at King's College Hospital

Laboratory overview

We process tissue taken from patients surgical tissue during operations or biopsies from investigatory procedures. We receive tissue samples into our main processing area and conduct microscopic analysis. We then either produce a report or send the sample to the Advanced Diagnostics laboratory for further tests.

Our laboratory is a leader in the complex and rapidly evolving field of Histopathology. The traditional line between different pathology disciplines grows fainter each day because new techniques permit the molecular analysis of solid tissue samples and advanced histologic methods are now routinely used to detect abnormal cells in body fluids (please refer to diagnostic cytology section below). 

Key features:

We play a key role in patient care, as well as in basic science and clinical research by forging intellectual links between diagnostic services and basic sciences.

We specialise in: 

• Surgical Pathology and its Specialties
• Breast Pathology
• Dermatopathology
• Endocrine Pathology
• Gastrointestinal Pathology
• Genitourinary Pathology
• Gynaecological Pathology
• Haematopathology

Diagnostic Cytology:

The Diagnostic Cytology Unit under Histopathology at King's College Hospital processes approximately 3,500 diagnostic samples per year, which include fluid specimens, brush specimens and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Cytology. The laboratory working hours are 9am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). The Unit also provides a FNA service at clinics co-ordinated by hospital clinicians.