The Haemostasis Biomedical Research Unit (HBRU) is a unique, purpose-built fully equipped and staffed unit for the development, assessment and validation of biomarkers in the field of haemostasis and is an integral part of the Welsh Centre for Emergency Medicine Research.
It has particular expertise in the development of new coagulation biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and to assess the therapeutic efficacy of standard and new anticoagulant therapies. The Unit works closely with other academic institutions, industry and pharmaceutical companies in a translational programme. The Unit has particular expertise in preclinical modelling of disease states and the assessment of new therapeutic agents. The research programme was initiated by Professor Adrian Evans whose long-term research interest has been focused on how acute critical illness and injury affect coagulation and clot microstructure. The current Unit was formed in 2009 as part of a collaborative research programme between Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, the Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, Swansea University and industrial collaborators.
HBRU is carrying out studies in the field of coagulation, laboratory, clinical and related epidemiological studies.
The research programme has a strong emphasis on laboratory-based research, especially in the field of preclinical modelling of disease states. The Unit has particular expertise in the measurement and assessment of standard and new pharmacological agents in their translational development.
In addition, there are several clinical studies underway which are looking at the assessment and therapeutic efficacy of both the standard and new anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, such as atrial fibrillation, stroke and venous thrombotic disease.
The Unit, situated within the Emergency Department at Morriston Hospital, occupies over 1000 square feet, with over £0.5M state of the art research equipment. It is equipped with a full range of devices for coagulation assessment, i.e. platelet analysis, thromboelastography, and general and specific factor analysis as well as an extensive range of rheological testing devices. The Unit is supported by a very large and active haematology department within the University Health Board which is able to carry out a large range of standard and specific haematological clotting tests in support of our ongoing trials. In addition, the Unit has full access to a range of scanning techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The Unit works closely with pharmaceutical and industrial collaborators to evaluate both current and new drugs and therapies.
Haemostasis Biomedical Research Unit,
Welsh Centre for Emergency Medicine Research,
Emergency Department,
Morriston Hospital,
Swansea SA6 6NL
Tel: 01792 532419