Department overview
Welcome to Scientific Research and Innovation Services at King’s College Hospital, where innovation drives excellence in clinical research. Our department plays a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, technology, and patient outcomes through the management of clinical trials and the specialist testing of research samples.
We provide a clinically validated, ISO 15189 accredited cytokine testing service that supports clinical teams across our partner NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, and academic institutions. This unique national service underpins diagnostic innovation and research excellence.
At the core of our work is the expert delivery of clinical trial services, including contract setup and management, regulatory support, bespoke testing, service evaluations, new test validation, and the analysis of research samples. Every sample is managed with precision and care, ensuring high-quality, reliable results that contribute to groundbreaking clinical research.
Our experienced team of scientists and subject matter experts work collaboratively across disciplines and organisations, pushing the boundaries of medical science through innovation and integrity.
We are proud to be enabling the future of healthcare, one discovery at a time.
General documentation
Clinical Cytokine Service
Welcome to our UKAS-Accredited Cytokine Analysis Service
Our Cytokine Analysis Service is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable cytokine profiling for both research and clinical applications. UKAS-accredited and built on a foundation of precision, accuracy, and scientific integrity, our service ensures you receive dependable data to support both study outcomes and clinical decision making.
Utilising advanced technologies and fully validated methodologies, our experienced team provides comprehensive cytokine analysis tailored to your specific research or healthcare needs. Whether you're conducting basic research, running clinical trials, or evaluating therapeutic interventions, we are committed to supporting your work with expertise, responsiveness, and a focus on quality
What Are Cytokines, and Why Do They Matter?
Cytokines are small proteins produced by immune and other cells that serve as essential signalling molecules within the immune system. Acting as chemical messengers, they coordinate immune and inflammatory responses, enabling effective communication between cells.
Cytokines are vital for fighting infections, repairing tissue damage, and regulating immune system activity to maintain health and homeostasis. There are several classes of cytokines, including interleukins, interferons, tumour necrosis factors, growth factors, and chemokines—each playing a unique role in modulating the body's immune responses.
Routine Cytokine Panels – For Clinical Evaluation
We offer serum-only, validated routine cytokine panels for clinical evaluation. These panels are UKAS-accredited and conducted to the highest quality standards
Cytokine Panels Cytokine Analytes Turnaround Times
CY19 Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) 7 working days
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Interleukin-8 (IL-8)
Tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)
CY20 Interleukin-2 receptor alpha chain (IL-2ra)* 14 working days
Interleukin-10 (IL-10)
Interleukin-17 (IL-17)
Interferon-γ (INF-γ)
CY21 Interleukin-15 (IL-15) 14 working days
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
CY23 Interleukin-5 (IL-5) 14 working days
Interleukin-13 (IL-13)
* IL-2ra is not to be confused with Interleukin-2 (IL-2), which has differing utility, both these markers should not be used interchangeably.
How to Request Our Cytokine Testing Service
To request testing:
Cytokine Information Form
PDF (81Kb)
Custom Cytokine Panels – For Research Use Only
The Scientific Research & Innovation Laboratory also offers customised cytokine panels tailored for research use. These flexible panels can be designed to meet the specific objectives of your study and may include sample types outside our accredited scope.
Please note: All customised cytokine panels are batch-analysed once all study samples have been collected.
For more information or to discuss your research requirements, please contact us at: kch-tr.synnovis.researchenquiries [at] nhs.net ">kch-tr.synnovis.researchenquiries [at] nhs.net
Research Studies & Clinical Trials
At Synnovis, we provide end-to-end support for clinical trials and research studies through our dedicated Scientific Research & Innovation (SR&I) Contracts Team. Whether supporting commercial or non-commercial research, our team ensures all contractual and regulatory obligations are met efficiently—enabling researchers to focus on delivering meaningful results.
Clinical trials and research must comply with stringent protocols and regulations, including MHRA, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Human Tissue Authority (HTA), and require approvals through processes such as REC and IRAS. Our team works closely with clinical research leads to secure the necessary regulatory and governance approvals, ensuring smooth and compliant study initiation.
The SR&I Contracts Team supports research activity across all our partner Trusts including, Guy’s and St Thomas’ (GSTT), King’s College Hospital (KCH), Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), and Royal Brompton and Harefield (RBH-HH)—as well as with other NHS organisations, academic institutions, and private healthcare providers.
Our Services Include:
- Feasibility assessments.
- Costing and budget negotiations.
- Contract execution and management, including MTAs, NDAs, and amendments.
- Study setup and ongoing management
Our goal is to support the successful delivery of research that advances medical science and improves patient outcomes through expert, responsive, and collaborative service.
How to Request Pathology Costings
To begin, please complete the Research Information Form (RIF) by clicking the button below. Once completed, email the form to: kch-tr.synnovis.researchenquiries [at] nhs.net
Please also include the study protocol and lab manual (if available).Our SR&I Contracts Team will contact you to guide you through the next steps and provide ongoing support throughout the process.
Research Information Form
PDF (123Kb)
Bespoke Services
In addition to our wide scientific expertise and accredited testing repertoire, the SR&I Team offers bespoke biomarker analysis tailored to your specific research needs. We assist investigators with customised trial design, protocol refinement, method validation, project oversight, and kit evaluation.
We also manage:
- Manual sample processing.
- Data generation and secure entry in line with GCP
- Sample receipt logging and compliant storage at -20°C / -80°C in line with HTA regulations
For more detailed information, please refer to our User Guide and Test Repertoire in the General Documentation section.
