Toxicology
The Toxicology Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire specialises in delivering in vitro and clinical toxicological research expertise to industry. With state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment used under a quality management system certified by Lloyd’s Register to ISO 9001:2015 and our broad expertise across multiple sectors we have an international reputation for delivering challenging project milestones on time and on budget. Get in touch and let us help you today.
How can we support you?
PPE testing for COVID-19 protection
Our purpose-built, large-scale halochamber enables us to quantify the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment (such as face masks and respirators) to internationally recognised standards such as EN 149 and EN 1827. We can assess their effectiveness within simulated COVID-19 environments to support their clinical application under a variety of practical conditions.
Protection
We also test a range of PPE equipment against chemical vapour exposures with robotic mannequins or human volunteers using an established 'man in simulant' test (MIST) methodology according to ATSDR F2588-12. Our research expertise includes the evaluation of safe undressing protocols and the development of whole-body dosimetry measurements.
Detection
We offer services to evaluate chemical and explosive detector performance, under a range of environmental conditions, in the presence or absence of interferents. Combined with our extensive analytical capabilities, we can assist you with your device development.
Decontamination testing
We provide an award-winning service for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of decontamination products and protocols against chemical, biological and radiological threats. We can perform personal decontamination clinical studies as well as mass casualty, infrastructure, vehicle and equipment decontamination.
Medical diagnostics
We design and perform laboratory and clinical studies, including medical device prototype development, to assist with research and development or regulatory approvals. Our experience includes development of a pupillometry device for the diagnosis of exposure to toxic chemicals and GCP clinical trials of barrier cream efficacy.
Forensic and chemical analysis
We offer a broad range of chemical testing and analytical services including screening for substances of abuse in dietary supplements, sample analysis for toxic industrial chemicals, heavy metals or pharmaceuticals, as well as forensic sample analysis. We have facilities for LC-high resolution mass spectrometry using Q-Exactive Orbitrap technology, GC-MS, ICP-OES, X-ray scanning electron microscopy (SEM-XDS) and Raman microscopy, enabling us to identify unknowns as well as target analytes.
Training and education
Our team of experts offer education programmes on CBRN threat agents and associated detection and medical solutions. We provide practical training for first responders, including incident response exercise scenarios under realistic conditions. For example, we’ve trained teams to respond to and manage mass casualty incidents. Such exercises range in scale from small teams to multi-agency scenarios for more than 500 responders, volunteers and support personnel. We’re also able to develop and provide bespoke training and guidance documentation.
Quality
Our laboratory is accredited by Lloyd’s Register to ISO 9001:2015, providing confidence in the work we perform and the services delivered. Our Quality Team are able to provide independent consultation and QA auditing services.
To find out more about the support we can offer, read our brochure:
Toxicology Research Group brochure (PDF - 0.95 Mb)
Accessible version of the Toxicology Research Group brochure