Laboratory overview

This department has an international reputation in cardiac and lung disease. Highly trained and qualified staff handle and process material for diagnosis, teaching and research. We are a national and international referral centre for cardiac and pulmonary pathology, offering a unique service to users and other healthcare Trusts.

Histopathology and Cytology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory (No.8818), accredited to ISO15189:2012 for the tests listed in the schedule of accreditation on the UKAS website (https://www.ukas.com/download-schedule/8818/Medical/)

Opening hours

Royal Brompton Hospital
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5.30pm

Harefield Hospital
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5.30pm

Surgical reporting service 

We specialise in the diagnosis of tumour and interstitial lung diseases, heart and lung transplant rejection, vascular and cardiac disease identification by light microscopy, immunocytochemistry and molecular biology (in collaboration with RBH Clinical Genetics Dept and Royal Marsden Hospital). 

Biopsy service

• Bronchial biopsies
• Transbronchial biopsies
• Needle/TRUCUT biopsies
• Endomyocardial biopsies
• Transplant related biopsies.

Same day/on-call biopsy service

Clinically urgent biopsies can be rapid-processed following discussion with a consultant pathologist.

Cytology 

The non-gynaecology cytology service offers assessment of sputum, urine, fine-needle aspirates, pleural effusion and lavage specimens for malignant cells, eosinophil counts (asthma), fungi and faecal fat estimation in patients with CF.

Immunocytochemistry 

We utilise a wide range of antibodies in the diagnosis of carcinomas, lymphocyte markers, epithelial markers, mesotheliomas, germ cell tumours, sarcomas and neuroendocrine markers. We also provide a number of companion diagnostic tests including ALK, ROS1 and PDL1. 

Research, development and teaching 

We investigate the basic pathophysiology of allergy, asthma, CF, paediatric lung disease, infection, bronchiectasis, myocarditis, cardiomyopathies, heart and lung transplant pathology and lung tumours using many techniques including: 

• light microscopy 
• immunocytochemistry 
• molecular biology 

The department runs several courses in lung and cardiac pathology in association with the National Heart and Lung Institute.