Toxicology research

The Clinical Toxicology Service is actively involved in research to improve the management of poisoned patients and  to prevent poisoning. We work with colleagues in the Biomedical Research Centre and the Drug Control Centre at King's College London and the Analytical Toxicology Unit at St George's University of London.

In addition, research is often conducted in collaboration with clinical colleagues at the Trust, local hospitals, general practices, ambulance services, and other health care agencies.  We have also developed a multidisciplinary network of key stakeholders involved in the pre-hospital care of those with recreational drug toxicity, which includes clinical and analytical toxicologists, nightclub owners/promoters/first aid providers, drug and alcohol outreach services, the London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police Service.

The consultants have close links with National and International collaborators and work with National and International organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Current research interests pursued by the clinical toxicology service include:

  • Novel and emerging recreational drugs
  • Improvement in the pre-hospital care of individuals with recreational drug toxicity
  • Epidemiology of local poisoning, and implementation of strategies to improve the care of poisoned patients
  • Epidemiology and clinical features of recreational drug toxicity 
  • Heavy metal poisoning 
  • Paracetamol poisoning 
  • Development and use of adsorbents