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. It primarily serves South London and the South East of England with a catchment population of 8.5 million.

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 15189:2012/2022 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': Test order forms - South East Genomics : South East Genomics

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

Key features

• The Immunophenotyping Laboratory at King’s College Hospital offers a comprehensive, UKAS-accredited next-generation flow cytometry service for diagnosing, monitoring, and prognosticating haematological malignancies, featuring high-sensitivity MRD, rapid turnaround for urgent cases, and specialist expertise.
• The Cytogenetics Laboratory at King's College Hospital provides a fully comprehensive service that includes both karyotype analysis and fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) assays for a wide variety of haematology neoplasms, working closely with the other specialist SE-HMDS laboratories to provide a unified genomics testing strategy.
• The Laboratory for Molecular Haemato-Oncology (LMH) at King’s College Hospital specialises in the detection and quantification of molecular markers and abnormalities associated with haematological malignancies to support diagnostic, prognostic, and disease monitoring services for a wide variety of haematology neoplasms.
• 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.
• Active programme of education with both live and recorded webinars available via the KHP website.
• Genomic tests within SE-HMDS are commissioned and funded by NHS England, via the South East GLH, 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.

We aim to provide:

• Efficient, comprehensive diagnostic services for haematological malignancies.
• An effective interface with Clinical Haemato-Oncology services through Multidisciplinary meetings (MDM). 
• Research, development, evaluation and the introduction of new diagnostic techniques. 
• Rapid response to technology changes and clinical needs. 
• Support to clinical and epidemiological research.  
• Education and training programmes for clinical and scientific staff.