Red Cell Centre - Protein Laboratory

Red Cell Centre Overview

The Red Cell Centre (RCC) at King’s College Hospital remains a national reference centre providing specialist clinical care for patients with red cell disorders. This includes comprehensive diagnostic pathways, inpatient and outpatient management, and dedicated paediatric and adult Sickle Cell services. These clinical functions remain fully active at King’s College Hospital. 

As part of Synnovis’ transformation of pathology services across south east London, the analytical work previously carried out within the Protein Laboratory at King’s has now transitioned to the new Synnovis Hub Laboratory located at Friars Bridge Court, Blackfriars. The Blackfriars Hub is a state‑of‑the‑art facility designed to consolidate routine and specialist testing, enabling faster turnaround times and enhanced standardisation.

Red Cell Centre – Protein Laboratory at King's College Hospital

Key features

Analytical procedures performed include universal Antenatal Screening and Neonatal Screening as part of the Regional New Born Screening Program, processing approximately 60,000 samples annually. Initial screening is by HPLC and further tests are performed depending on the HPLC results, red cell indices and clinical details. This could include sickle solubility testing, electrophoresis, including isoelectric focussing and HbH bodies. 

All samples sent for analysis receive an interpretive comment relevant to the clinical details. Our close links to the Molecular Haemoglobinopathy Laboratory mean we can offer a full haemoglobin variant and thalassaemia identification service.