The newly established CDDU ethos is to harmonise all methods used within the labs for the processing of clinical samples. This way of working will aid comparisons between patient samples and datasets and underpin interdisciplinary biomedical and health research, as well as biomarker discovery/analysis across different disease pathways.
We are built on our work during the pandemic (KCL TEST) which achieved UKAS accreditation (ISO 15189). The CDDU services include processing of respiratory samples (sputum, nasal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage, biopsies), blood (e.g. PBMCs, flow cytometry, CyTOF), Immunohistochemistry, Immunocytochemistry, spatial profiling, cytokine/chemokine profiling, molecular assays, pathogen work, cell culture models (e.g. ALI).
The CDDU can develop bespoke in vitro disease models for viral and drug testing applications and UKAS accreditation advice.
We offer a flexible approach to users/clients, within King’s Health Partners (KHP) and external users.
Projects

Developing a new biomarker for tuberculosis diagnostics.
Together with international collaborators, we are developing a new assay to differentiate patients with active and latent tuberculosis. This would be a novel and sensitive method to detect disease status from blood easily collected to better inform medical practitioners and public health.

Developing point of care diagnostics for the detection of blood cells.
In collaboration with Beyond Blood Diagnostics®, we are helping to test a new point of care device which has the potential to accurately measure different blood cell types for disease monitoring. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Profile of immunoglobulins in patients with long covid compared to healthy controls
Examination of immunoglobulins in healthy subjects with no historical symptoms typically associated with long covid in comparison to that found in long covid patients. In collaboration with Prof. Stuart Bevan

Unravelling Age-Related differences in the responses of macrophages derived from adolescent and adult asthmatics.
In collaboration with respiratory consultant Dr Alexandra Nanzer, we are collecting blood from asthmatic subjects of varying age and investigating whether differentiated macrophages respond differently to environmental stimuli typically impacting the airways in severe asthma. Using standard molecular and protein assays we hope to identify key dysregulated immune and inflammatory pathways which are altered with age.

Beyond the Eosinophil: Understanding the impact of eosinophil depletion on T2 Inflammation. (BEUTI)
In collaboration with Prof. David Jackson, we are investigating the role and action of biologics in severe asthma. To this end, we are collecting and processing blood, sputum and airway samples (brushings, biopsies, lavage fluid).
Awards
- Dr. Rocio Martinez-Nunez - King’s Health Partners (Centre for Translational Medicine Award)
- Dr Rachel Tribe - King’s Health Partners (Centre for Translational Medicine Award)
- Dr. Rocio Martinez-Nunez/Beyond Blood Diagnostics - UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- Dr. Rocio Martinez-Nunez - Commercial Development Fund (KCL/Wellcome).
Projects

Developing a new biomarker for tuberculosis diagnostics.
Together with international collaborators, we are developing a new assay to differentiate patients with active and latent tuberculosis. This would be a novel and sensitive method to detect disease status from blood easily collected to better inform medical practitioners and public health.

Developing point of care diagnostics for the detection of blood cells.
In collaboration with Beyond Blood Diagnostics®, we are helping to test a new point of care device which has the potential to accurately measure different blood cell types for disease monitoring. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Profile of immunoglobulins in patients with long covid compared to healthy controls
Examination of immunoglobulins in healthy subjects with no historical symptoms typically associated with long covid in comparison to that found in long covid patients. In collaboration with Prof. Stuart Bevan

Unravelling Age-Related differences in the responses of macrophages derived from adolescent and adult asthmatics.
In collaboration with respiratory consultant Dr Alexandra Nanzer, we are collecting blood from asthmatic subjects of varying age and investigating whether differentiated macrophages respond differently to environmental stimuli typically impacting the airways in severe asthma. Using standard molecular and protein assays we hope to identify key dysregulated immune and inflammatory pathways which are altered with age.

Beyond the Eosinophil: Understanding the impact of eosinophil depletion on T2 Inflammation. (BEUTI)
In collaboration with Prof. David Jackson, we are investigating the role and action of biologics in severe asthma. To this end, we are collecting and processing blood, sputum and airway samples (brushings, biopsies, lavage fluid).
Publications
Awards
- Dr. Rocio Martinez-Nunez - King’s Health Partners (Centre for Translational Medicine Award)
- Dr Rachel Tribe - King’s Health Partners (Centre for Translational Medicine Award)
- Dr. Rocio Martinez-Nunez/Beyond Blood Diagnostics - UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- Dr. Rocio Martinez-Nunez - Commercial Development Fund (KCL/Wellcome).
Our Partners

Guy’s & St Thomas’ (GSTT) Charity

St John's Institute of Dermatology