The Core Biochemical Assay Laboratory (CBAL) offers a high quality cost-effective analytical service. Since its inception in 2008 the laboratory has worked closely with many research groups across the Cambridge Biomedical campus and helped commercial companies develop and evaluate their novel assays.
The majority of the 300+ different tests offered by CBAL use immunoassay technology. CBAL performs MesoScale Discovery, Luminex Magpix, DELFIA and ELISA assays plus those available on the Siemens Dimension EXL, Diasorin Liaison XL and Randox Daytona+ Autoanalysers.
CBAL has a good track record of developing novel high quality assays for biomarkers that are not readily available from commercial vendors.
The laboratory is located on Level 4 of the Addenbrooke’s Laboratory block. It currently has CPA-accreditation for its two most requested ‘clinical’ assays (insulin & c-peptide); other assays are unaccredited but performed to the highest standard.
CBAL is staffed by up to seven highly experienced NHS Biomedical Scientists, funded by the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. All staff have received GCP training and participate in CPD schemes.
Find out more
The CBAL Users' Handbook (updated July 2020) provides more information on:
- Analytical equipment used
- Sample collection, receipt and storage
- Biochemistry tests available
- Clinically validated assays
- Method development and evaluation
- Test pricing
- Quality assurance procedures
Contact details
Core Biochemical Assay Laboratory
Level 4, Laboratory Block
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ.
Mr Keith Burling
Director of CBAL
Box 232
Phone: 01223 216 728
Mr Peter Barker
Senior Biomedical Scientist & Project Co-ordinator
Box 232
Phone: 01223 216 728
Opening times
The laboratory opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 - 16:00
If sample deliveries are likely to be outside these hours it is essential to contact CBAL staff immediately so that contingency plans can be made.
CBAL is closed on weekends and Bank Holidays.