Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory

Research at the Scottish Parasite Diagnostics Laboratory (SPDL) has worldwide implications and it is largely because of the global reach of its staff.

When only a small number of people have expertise in a certain field, international collaboration is very important if knowledge is to advance. When that field is health-related, incorporating the experiences and knowledge derived from several countries brings enormous benefits.

This is certainly true in the case of SPDL based at Glasgow's Stobhill Hospital.

Established in 1982, the SPDL provides diagnosis and advice on parasitic diseases to the health service. It also develops and evaluates new diagnostic techniques and liaises with parasitology labs worldwide.

International Partnerships

In order to achieve its objectives, the SPDL has developed a number of international partnerships and has employed and trained many people from overseas.

At any one time, people from seven or eight different countries can be found amongst the SPDL's staff. At the moment the laboratory employs people from Brazil, the USA, Iraq, Wales and England, plus visiting researchers and trainees from Israel, Malaysia, and India.

"Often, such people have undertaken research in establishments in their country of origin, which has the benefit of bringing us different ideas, approaches and technologies," explains Dr Huw Smith, director of service.

Access to Networks

"Many will also have had experience of diagnosis in their own country, so bring with them useful ideas, methods and systems of work. But they also have access to networks we wouldn't have had before, including experts with good local and international knowledge.

"Without these people the quality of research would suffer," says Dr Smith. 

Benefits

It is not just the SPDL that benefits from recruiting people from other countries. Laboratories around the world also benefit.

Interaction between Brazilian, American, Pakistani, Israeli, Scottish, English and Welsh members of staff generated methods now used by laboratories – and recognised by government regulators – worldwide.

And, over the last four years, South East Asia's first Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) Ltd accreditable parasitic diagnostic laboratory was established at the University of Malaya, as a direct result of the University's links with Scotland.

The laboratory is now helping to formulate Malaysian health policy and enables poorer citizens to access its diagnostic and advisory services. 

Case Study:Jan 2006

More Information

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory
"House on the Hill"
Stobhill Hospital
133 Balornock Road
Glasgow
G21 3UW
Tel: 0141 201 3029
www.nhsgg.org.uk