Clinical trial laboratory services in London

Our London central laboratory provides specialist analytical, sample management and pathology services for Phase I and early Phase II clinical trials.

Located within our purpose-built clinical pharmacology unit, the laboratory enables rapid sample transfer from the ward, efficient processing and close coordination between clinical, laboratory and project teams.

Our facilities and capabilities include:

  • automated sample handling, sorting and storage
  • rapid transfer of samples from the clinical wards via pneumatic tube
  • refrigerated, frozen and liquid nitrogen storage
  • continuous temperature monitoring
  • laboratory information management systems
  • electronic data transfer in sponsor-specified formats
  • controlled access to laboratory areas
  • licensed facilities for handling radioactive materials
  • support for multicentre studies and external research sites
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Why choose HMR Central Laboratory

Our integrated central laboratory combines clinical trial experience, responsive communication and specialist analytical capabilities within a single London research facility.

Sponsors benefit from:

  • direct coordination between clinical and laboratory teams
  • rapid sample receipt and processing
  • dedicated laboratory project management
  • trial-specific sample collection kits
  • configurable alert limits, result flagging and data blinding
  • electronic delivery of daily, interim and final trial data
  • consistent methodologies and reagent management throughout the study
  • method development and validation for non-routine testing
  • support for both single-site and multicentre clinical trials

Our experienced Biomedical Scientists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and participate in ongoing professional development.

Central Laboratory services

HMR provides clinical laboratory testing and pathology project management for early-phase and multicentre clinical trials.

Each study is supported by a dedicated laboratory project lead who coordinates trial implementation, sample requirements, laboratory workflows, reporting and communication with the sponsor and study team.

We can prepare visit-specific sample collection kits containing the materials and instructions required for specimen collection, processing and transport. Kits can be distributed to participating trial sites and configured around the protocol’s specific requirements.

Our team can also implement:

  • protocol-specific testing schedules
  • trial-specific alert limits
  • result flagging
  • blinded laboratory data
  • daily electronic result transfers
  • interim data files for review
  • final data exports in sponsor-specified formats

Where possible, we maintain consistent analytical methodology and reagent lots throughout the life of a study to support reliable longitudinal data.

Where a required test or analytical method is not already available, our team can assess, establish and validate the method for the study.

Our London central laboratory offers routine and specialist analytical capabilities across a range of laboratory platforms.

Capabilities include:

  • haematology
  • clinical biochemistry
  • coagulation
  • endocrinology and hormone analysis
  • urinalysis
  • chemiluminescence
  • automated ELISA
  • flow cytometry
  • platelet function analysis
  • cell stimulation and harvesting
  • peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation
  • radioimmunoassay
  • polymerase chain reaction
  • high-performance liquid chromatography
  • infrared, visible and ultraviolet spectrometry
  • automated titration

These capabilities support routine safety testing, pharmacodynamic assessments, biomarker analysis and study-specific exploratory endpoints.

Our laboratory uses specialist analytical, processing and containment equipment to support clinical trial sample analysis.

Available platforms include:

  • platelet function analysis
  • sample concentration and freeze-drying equipment
  • Class II biological safety cabinets
  • multimode microplate analysis

Specific platform availability and suitability can be confirmed during study feasibility and laboratory planning.

Our laboratory test menu includes routine safety pathology and specialist biomarkers used across early-phase clinical research.

Testing capabilities include:

  • a broad range of safety pathology tests
  • biomarkers relating to renal, cardiovascular and hepatic function
  • gastrointestinal and peripheral tissue biomarkers
  • pulmonary biomarkers
  • inflammatory and immunological markers
  • trial-specific biomarker panels
  • established reference ranges based on healthy volunteer populations
  • method development, transfer and validation where required

A study-specific test menu can be prepared during feasibility based on the protocol, sample matrix, collection schedule and reporting requirements.

Our central laboratory supports the complete sample journey, from collection and processing through to storage, analysis and delivery of trial data.

Available services include:

  • preparation of trial-specific collection kits
  • sample accessioning and tracking
  • processing and aliquoting
  • refrigerated storage
  • frozen storage at multiple temperature ranges
  • liquid nitrogen storage
  • continuous temperature monitoring
  • sample reconciliation
  • electronic result reporting
  • sponsor-format data exports
  • support for sample transfers and long-term storage requirements

The laboratory’s integration with our clinical unit reduces transport delays and supports rapid escalation of clinically significant laboratory results.

Quality standards and laboratory accreditation

Our London laboratory operates under established quality assurance procedures and participates in relevant external proficiency testing programmes.

Quality systems and professional standards include:

  • UKAS-accredited testing within the laboratory’s defined scope
  • ISO/IEC 17025 quality standards
  • external quality assurance and proficiency testing
  • documented laboratory quality control procedures
  • HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists
  • continuing professional development through relevant professional bodies

The laboratory participates, where applicable, in external quality assessment schemes such as UK NEQAS, RIQAS and QCMD.

The current accreditation status, accreditation schedule and scope of accredited testing should be confirmed through the relevant UKAS laboratory listing.

Discuss your clinical trial laboratory requirements

Whether you require routine safety pathology, specialist biomarker analysis, trial-specific laboratory kits or the development of a new analytical method, our London laboratory team can help.

Speak with our clinical trial laboratory specialists about your protocol, sample requirements, reporting format and study timelines.

Discuss Your Study