Programmed Investigation Unit (PIU)

What we do

The Programmed Investigation Unit (PIU) mainly provides a nurse-led service. Its purpose is to complement and work in partnership with other clinical providers across the Trust. The focus of the service is to carry out endocrine dynamic investigations to diagnose various conditions related to endocrinology, and give infusions. All interventions in the unit are short-term and are based on appropriate assessments to ensure all patients’ needs are met.

In 2011, the PIU combined the following specialities to improve efficiency and quality improvement: endocrine investigations, neurosciences/surgery, rheumatology, allergy and immunology investigations/infusions, and gastroenterology infusions.

We are one of the leading departments providing specialised investigations for patients in endocrinology in London. The service is also one of the most efficient in the administration of biologic infusions to patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as immunoglobulin to patients who may be immunocompromised and needing immunotherapy in the UK.

Endocrinology tests

Endocrinology tests we carry out include:

• short synacthen test
• water deprivation test
• saline suppression test
• octreotide challenge
• growth hormone day curve
• glucagon stress test
• cortisol day curve
• cannulated prolactin
• hydrocortisone day curve
• insulin stress test
• oral glucose tolerance test
• plasma metanephrines
• overnight dexamethasone suppression test
• testosterone replacement therapy
• mixed meal test
• metyrapone suppression test
• testosterone replacement
• hormone replacement (including growth hormone treatment)
• specialist treatments (somatostatin analogues and pegvisomant)
• radioactive iodine ablation treatment preparation and dynamic risk stratification for thyroid cancer patients
• mitotane (chemotherapy) treatment
• adrenal venous sampling
• pre-assessment for pituitary surgery

Immunology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurology

We administer the following intravenous infusions:

• IVIG (immunoglobulins)
• infliximab
• rituximab
• vedolizumab
• ustekinumab
• tocilizumab
• methylprednisolone
• iloprost
• abatacept
• zolendronate
• tysabri

We provide services and care for patients having the following treatments:

• lumbar puncture
• skin biopsy
• botox injections
• allergy clinic: challenges

Preparing for your appointment

Please read the information leaflet carefully for specific advice on your treatment. When you come to your appointment please bring your appointment letter, a list of your medications and any samples your appointment letter asks you to bring.

When you arrive at the Programmed Investigation Unit (PIU):

• Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment. If you are running late, please contact the department before coming to the hospital, as we may have to rearrange your appointment. If you are arriving by patient transport please contact the transport department for additional instructions.

• Please attend your appointment alone. At present, visitors, relatives or children will not be able to come with you to your appointment. The only exception to this will be for carers and the unit will need to inform us in advance. If someone is bringing you to your appointment, please ask them to drop you off and return when you are ready to go home.

• On arrival to the unit, you will be greeted by a member of staff who will confirm that you are not complaining of any symptoms. Please use the hand sanitiser provided.

Location

Ground floor, Cheyne Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Contact Details

• Main Reception: 020 3299 3034