LGC Standards acquires Cardiff Bioanalytical Services

Published: 4-Nov-2010

Expands proficiency testing portfolio


LGC has acquired Cardiff Bioanalytical Services, a UK provider of External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes for clinical and forensic toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring. The company runs a number of schemes under the Heathcontrol brand and has more than 450 participants in around 36 countries. Financial details were not revealed.

The business will be integrated into LGC Standards, the division of LGC that provides products and services to improve measurement and quality control within the laboratory. The company is headquartered in Teddington, Middlesex, with proficiency testing located in Bury, Lancashire.

Cardiff Bioanalytical Services was established in 1979 on the campus of the University Hospital of Wales at Heath Park when it offered EQA schemes for theophylline, digoxin and tricyclic antidepressants. Schemes are also now included for antibiotics, paracetamol and salicylate measurements. In 1994 a separate toxicology scheme was established. There has been continuous development of this since, with many other drugs added and, most recently, a scheme for measuring drugs of abuse in oral fluid.

LGC says the deal will further strengthen LGC Standards’ position as a leading provider of proficiency testing (PT). The firm’s current 29 PT schemes encompass chemical, microbiological and physical testing across a range of industries including food and beverage, environmental, pharmaceutical and consumer safety. The Heathcontrol schemes will expand this offering into new areas.

During 2011, Cardiff Bioanalytical Services will be relocated to LGC Standards’ new purpose-built premises in Bury, which are due for completion in January.

Liz Jordain, general manager, LGC Standards, said: ‘The Heathcontrol business provides LGC Standards with an excellent opportunity to expand its PT offering and customer base. LGC Standards’ presence in all major European markets, China, Russia and South America means that we shall be able to grow the Heathcontrol business in many territories.’

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