Immunodermatology Laboratory at St Thomas' Hospital

Immunodermatology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory (No.8126), accredited to ISO15189:2022 for the tests listed in the schedule of accreditation on the UKAS website (https://www.ukas.com/wp-content/uploads/schedule_uploads/00007/8126-Medical-Single.pdf).

The Immunodermatology Laboratory uses immunofluorescence, ELISAs, and other techniques to aid in the evaluation of patients with suspected or established cutaneous autoimmune disease. The laboratory also uses a Thioflavin T technique for the detection of amyloid in frozen sections of skin biopsies.

The laboratory serves dermatologists at St John's as well as colleagues in London, the UK and abroad. In addition to diagnostic work, the department has an active research programme in cutaneous immunology including the mechanisms, diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune blistering disease, often in collaboration with colleagues in the UK and internationally. Founded in 1975, the laboratory initially functioned as an experimental unit, developing immunofluorescence (IF) techniques and establishing immunofluorescence as a key diagnostic technique in dermatology.

The department is now regarded as a skin immunofluorescence referral centre for the UK. 

Areas of expertise

Pemphigus.
Pemphigoid and other auto immune acquired bullous disorders.

Specialist and routine services

Specialist immunofluorescence for acquired blistering diseases.