YorkTest Laboratory
YorkTest is a leading scientific laboratory. Our tests are designed to allow
customers to take a sample in the comfort of their own home and post it back to
the laboratory for rigorous analytical testing.
On arrival at the laboratory your sample is processed with the utmost care and
attention, and all the sample information is stored on a secure computer system.
Each sample has a unique number to allow us to track it through the testing process.
This enables all the chemical reagents and equipment used to be logged through
the sample testing process. Once booked in, your sample is then test by trained
scientist using dedicated operating procedures to ensure that sample reproducibility
is kept to a maximum.
All equipment used in the testing of the sample in the laboratory is scrupulously
maintained and is of the highest calibre. All the tests conducted in our laboratory
have dedicated quality control limits and the laboratory is also externally audited
yearly to ensure we fulfil all the criteria required to meet internationally recognised
standards.
Your test is checked at seven key stages and tracked intensively throughout the
laboratory process. A trained senior scientist personally checks each test and
we only release the results when we are completely satisfied of their accuracy.
Once your sample has been tested it is disposed of in a secure manner and the
information gained from your sample is held, in accordance with the highest legal
requirements, in our secure data storage system. Each sample tested then has a
customised results pack assembled and dispatched to you, by first class post.
Meet the team at YorkTest Laboratories:
Dr Gill Hart PhD, BSc (Hons), Cert Mgmt (open), MIBMS
YORKTEST Scientific Director
After completing a PhD in Biochemistry, Gill worked for three years as Senior
Biochemist, specialising in endocrinology, at the Hammersmith Hospital in London.
From 1990 to 1999 Gill worked for Anagen Ltd (Alfa Biotech SpA) and was involved
in the development of automated immunoassays for the AuraFlex instrument. As Technical
Support Manager, Gill was directly responsible for the performance evaluation
of 16 automated immunoassays cleared through the FDA 510k process. In 1996 Gill
obtained a Professional Certificate in Management at the Open University Business
School.
In 1999 Gill set up her own company - DP Project Management and Consulting -
to service the needs of the IVD Medical Devices industry. Her work involved overseeing
contract product development and clinical trials and helping companies take their
products from concept to CE marking and FDA regulatory submissions.
Gill joined YorkTest in 2005 and ensures that all YorkTest testing services have
been fully validated and meet the stringent criteria of the European IVD Directive
98/79/EC. This has included establishing strict measures of self-regulation for
YorkTest, one of the few companies to do so in the unregulated diagnostic testing
services industry.
Gill is a member of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.
“YorkTest is a pioneering organisation with a strong scientific base. As Scientific
Director I ensure that each of the services we offer is fully validated and adheres
to the highest scientific standards. I also ensure that we meet all the required
quality and regulatory requirements, so you can have every confidence in the results
you receive."
Dr Peter Horlock PhD., M.Res., BSc (Hons)
YorkTest Head of Technical Operations
Peter has a PhD in enzyme biochemistry from Leeds University and since graduating
has worked as both a research scientist and manager for high profile companies
including PPL Therapeutics, Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT), now part of AstraZeneca
and known as Medimmune Cambridge, and Avecia Biologics Limited producing novel
therapeutic materials.
Peter joined YorkTest in 2007. “As head of technical operations my job is to
maintain the quality, reliability and validity of all the products we use. I also
ensure the highest possible levels of safety for the people that work for me and
the continuous development of the team.”
Dr Mark Gronnow PhD., MChem., MRSC
YorkTest Technical Manager
A member of The Royal Society of Chemistry, Mark gained a PhD in Chemistry from
University of York in 2005 focusing on the application of clean chemical technologies.
After placements at Hickson And Welch Ltd and GSK, Mark joined YorkTest in April
2005.
Mark says: ”As a senior scientist at YorkTest I ensure your test results are
delivered to you within ten days of receiving your blood sample. I ensure our
testing procedures are reliable so you can be assured your test results are valid.
All test results are dispatched to our customers with my assurance that they have
met stringent quality control checks."
Advisory Panel
Dr Nick Varey MBChB, FFPM, Hon D Litt.
YorkTest Laboratories Medical Director
Nick began his career as Medical Director at Reckitt & Colman (Reckitt Benckiser)
in 1982 where he worked until 2000. He is Chairman of Yorkshire Ambulance Service
NHS Trust; Vice Chairman Yorkshire Cancer Research charity was Chairman of ProCure
Therapeutics Ltd (York) until 2006.
