National Centre for Drug Adherence Testing 

Leicester’s Hospitals has developed world leading expertise in the measurement of prescribed medications. By measuring the quantity and types of medicine in the urine, we can determine whether a patient is adherent to their medication. Studies have found that non-adherence is a critical factor in poor hypertension control.

In response to this pressing issue, a team of doctors and scientists from Leicester’s Hospitals, together with the University of Leicester, have setup the National Centre for Adherence Testing (NCAT). Our NCAT service is currently used by over 30 NHS Trusts across the UK, and researchers from Europe and the USA.

Please state if this has been adhered to on the request form to prevent unnecessary sample rejections / delays.

Important information:

Please state the name and dose of drugs prescribed, together with the last time the patient has taken their medication, on the request form. A new version of the request form is available to download below.

Turnaround time

14 working days

Meet the team:

Dr Prashanth Patel - Consultant Metabolic Physician & Chemical Pathologist     

Dr Pankash Gupta - Consultant Metabolic Physician & Chemical Pathologist

Laura Dixon – Deputy Operational Manager

Kate Rice-Davies - Principal Clinical Scientist

Please direct any queries to:

Special Chemistry & Toxicology Laboratory, Level 4 Sandringham Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary

Phone 0116 258 6555 or email ncat@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Please direct any queries to:

Special Chemistry & Toxicology Laboratory, Level 4 Sandringham Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary

Phone 0116 258 6555 or email ncat@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Antihypertensive Drugs Detected by our Screening Procedure

Specimen requirement:  

Random Urine – Plain Universal

Samples must be received in the laboratory within 3 days of collection. Samples that are unable to be sent within 3 days should be stored frozen on receipt. Samples can undergo one freeze-thaw cycle, prior to receipt.

NCAT Request Form