An NIHR BRU funding award (2008-2012) allowed the Bone Biochemistry Laboratory to move to a fully refurbished site, situated in the Mellanby Centre, University of Sheffield, Medical School. It is responsible for the measurement of biochemical markers of bone turnover (BTMs) and related tests such as oestrogens and parathyroid hormone.
In addition to the facilities and equipment for carrying out manual immunoassays, the laboratory is now equipped with five automated analysers:
• Access II, Beckmann Coulter ™
• Vitros 250, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
• Vitros Eci, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
• Cobas E411, Roche Diagnostics
• Isys, Immuno Diagnostic Systems
This modern equipment enables us to carry out high throughput measurements.
An important function of the laboratory is to evaluate new assays for BTMs such as alpha and beta C-terminal crosslinks of type I collagen (α and β CTX). We have also recently evaluated assays for the bone related proteins, sclerostin and DKK-1, using a manual enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format.
We have also been able to employ a new full time laboratory technician. The laboratory is staffed by skilled, experienced laboratory personnel who carry out the analysis for the clinical trials run by the Unt. We also frequently collaborate with other departments within the University and with external institutions and industry and also provide a BTM assay service. We give advice on the most appropriate marker(s), on the collection and storage of samples and on the interpretation of results.
The laboratory takes part in a national quality assurance scheme (UK NEQAS). We are also working towards GCLP accreditation and have planned further training for laboratory staff towards this end.
