HMDS is a laboratory specialising in the diagnosis of haematological malignancies which includes leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The laboratory provides a comprehensive diagnostic service to the Yorkshire Cancer Network and The Yorkshire Coast and the Humber Cancer Network as well as receiving referrals from across the UK. HMDS also acts as a diagnostic reference centre for many national and international clinical trials.
HMDS was established in 1992 to bring together in one department all of the laboratory techniques used to diagnose haematological malignancies. It was recognised that integrating these technologies into a single diagnostic process was the best way to ensure diagnostic accuracy and ultimately optimal treatment of the patient. In the succeeding years this approach has been strengthened by the rapid development of diagnostic technology and is now regarded as the national standard of care. HMDS remains at the forefront of applying new diagnostic techniques for the benefit of patients.
Staff at HMDS are involved in a range of research programme and the department is a partner in the Centre for Haematological Oncology at the University of York.