Supporting the Start-Up of a Transplantation Programme in Barbados  

At VH Bio we are passionate about scientific initiatives in immunology, transplantation and molecular diagnostics, and our recent experience in Barbados was an inspirational and rewarding endeavour which could see transplantation services transformed in Barbados and potentially throughout the Caribbean!  

A journey that began at BSHI 2023  

The British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI) annual conference is an excellent opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with colleagues in the field of transplant diagnostics.  Following inspiring conversations at BSHI 2023, VH Bio reached out to scientists at the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory in Bridgetown, Barbados.  In August 2024 we were thrilled to welcome two scientists from Bridgetown to our Gateshead lab facilities as the first step in preparing to set up a transplant diagnostic service in their laboratory.  As part of this initiative, we conducted an intensive week of training on key assays and equipment, including introductions to the One Lambda LABType™ and LABScreen™ assays, the Luminex LABScan3D™ analyser, and HLA Fusion™ analysis software. 

Supporting the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory 

In January 2025, Alison Wortley, Managing Director, and Ben Adams, Manager of Transplant Products and Laboratory Services at VH Bio, travelled to Bridgetown to visit the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory and provide hands-on training and support.  The lab, already renowned for its critical role in COVID-19 testing and recognition as a National Influenza Centre (NIC), is a world-class institution equipped to expand its diagnostic and testing services to include transplantation. 

To ensure the success of the transplant programme, VH Bio set-up a LABScan3D™ instrument in the laboratory, along with comprehensive training in One Lambda LABType™ and LABScreen™ assays and HLA Fusion™ analysis software.  This aligns with our Responsive Service and Support ethos, which includes not just supplying instrumentation and supplies, but also empowering scientists and clinicians through education and on-site assistance. 

This project marks a major step forward for Barbados, a country where transplant diagnostics were previously either unavailable or required outsourcing to other regions for laboratory support.  Now, with the right infrastructure and expertise in place, the island is on its way to becoming a self-sufficient transplant centre – and perhaps, in the future, a hub for transplantation services across the Caribbean. 

A Truly Rewarding Experience  

The VH Bio team had a deeply gratifying experience in Barbados working with the inspirational team at the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory.  We feel blessed to have had the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated and passionate scientists and clinicians, who are all eager to bring about meaningful change to transplantation and healthcare. 

From the first introductions to the final goodbyes (which included Bajan treats, rum punch, and hugs!), the experience was truly unforgettable.  The warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication of the team were inspiring, and we are excited to see how this programme evolves.  Thank you for hosting us!  

At VH Bio, we believe in using our expertise to create lasting impact, and we are honoured to play a role in shaping the future of transplantation in Barbados.