Testimonials
Dr Mark Zuckerman, Head of Department, South London Specialist Virology Centre, King’s College Hospital: “We have collaborated on a couple of projects to date in CDDU that have gone to plan as it is a tightly and well run centre with friendly and experienced staff”
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was involved in ensuring we were able to run high volume SARS-CoV-2 RNA PCR tests at King’s College Hospital and at various meetings met Rocio and colleagues at King’s College London (KCL). We worked together to help validate KCL TEST, the accredited KCL COVID-19 testing programme that was developed to serve the community associated with KCL. Recognising that Rocio and colleagues were what I call a ‘can do’ team, it was exciting to be involved with the successful Clinical Diagnostics Development Unit (CCDU) application to be a centre where translational research in a variety of diseases could be carried out by unifying sample processing, testing and results instead of duplication across research groups. This also allows researchers to talk to each other and benefit from different experiences using a variety of laboratory methods and analysis of results. We have collaborated on a couple of projects to date in CDDU that have gone to plan as it is a tightly and well run centre with friendly and experienced staff that also benefit from a number of experienced scientists and academics that advise as part of a steering committee.
Jessica Cordle (Clinical Research Nurse – Team Lead, Gastrointestinal Medicine and Surgery, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust): “The CDDU team have been incredibly helpful. They understand the unpredictable nature of clinical research patient visits and consistently accommodate late or unscheduled samples. Their communication is clear, reliable and friendly. Their contribution has been essential to the success of our study.”
Ellie Woods (Clinical Research Practitioner, Chest Clinic, Guy’s Hospital, London UK): “Our clinical research team has had a positive experience working with the CDDU laboratory throughout a variety of projects, including ASCEND, RACEMATE and TEZEX, under the leadership of Prof. David Jackson. The team has consistently been approachable, professional, and flexible, responding effectively to the requirements of the study and supporting the timely processing of samples. They bring a broad range of experience in the processing and analysis of different types of samples, providing a reliable and consistent service. Their collaborative approach and willingness to accommodate study needs have contributed to the smooth delivery of the laboratory aspects of our respiratory research projects.”
Dr. Richard Hewitt (Consultant Respiratory Physician, Royal Brompton Hospital, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, King’s College London): “My group has been working closely with Dr Kanabar-Raivadera and her team in the Clinical Diagnostics Development Unit (CDDU) to process valuable blood and airway samples from patients at the Royal Brompton Hospital. Throughout our collaboration, the CDDU team has been consistently efficient, professional, highly responsive, and adaptable to the evolving requirements of our study. The team has expertly processed human samples for biobanking, cell culture, and single-cell RNA sequencing. Their rigorous operating procedures, excellent organisation, and unwavering commitment to high standards provide confidence that our samples are handled optimally, resulting in high-quality data generation. I would highly recommend the CDDU to any research group seeking a reliable, expert partner for human sample processing and biobanking.”
Prof. David Andersson (Professor of Neuroscience, website): “The CDDU provided indispensable support, guidance, and insights during the planning phase, IRAS, application, and have made it possible for us to embark on our study. Without the CDDU, we are unlikely to have succeeded in organising this study, involving all three hospitals at King’s to explore the mechanisms responsible for symptoms in fibromyalgia and POTS.”