Facilities for Research

​The SSTC is a training and research facility co-managed by TTSH and the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), serving researchers of both institutes.

It organises studies, workshops and courses including medical device applications and training in open or laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Training facilities

The SSTC provides ample opportunity for surgeons and endoscopists to learn advanced laparoscopic and endoscopic skills on computer simulators and computerised multimedia learning stations.

The training facilities include multimedia classrooms, Surgery Training Lab, Practical Skills Stations and a Virtual Reality Operating Room using high-tech endoscopic and laparoscopic equipment.

Regular courses on laparoscopic surgery are often conducted at the SSTC.

Research

We have a modern and well-equipped research laboratory with a fully equipped Operating Theatre with three operating tables.

The SSTC also has a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) facility.

TTSH and NNI are constantly investigating new technology and advancing research in minimally invasive surgical techniques, in addition to supporting medical devices development. Being at the heart of innovation, we can quickly translate new discoveries into clinical benefits for our patients.

Contact SSTC

Director:

Adj A/Prof Vishalkumar G Shelat

Contact persons:

• Mr Gao Hong (Lab Technician)
  Email: gao_hong@ttsh.com.sg
• Ms Melanie Leong(Executive, Operations (Surgery)
  Email: melanie_ly_leong@ttsh.com.sg

​The IDRL of TTSH was set up more than 10 years ago. It provides laboratory environment and facilities for clinician researchers and scientists to conduct their laboratory-based studies.

Research

Studies performed in this laboratory have so far mainly focused on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV.

Major equipment in the lab:

• Applied Biosystems 3100-Avant Genetic Analyzer: can provide DNA sequencing, gene scanning and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis
• Roche LightCycler Real-Time PCR Instrument: can provide real-time PCR analysis in pathogen detection, gene expression analysis, etc.
• Normal PCR thermocyclers
• Cell culture incubators
• Freezers and deep freezer

Contact IDRL

Director:
Prof Leo Yee Sin

Contact person:
Dr Ng Oon Tek
Email: oon_tek_ng@ttsh.com.sg

​The ARL was set up by the Department of Rheumatology & Immunology in 1994 for the purpose of research in autoimmune systemic rheumatic diseases.

In 1999, the ARL was restructured into the Clinical Immunology Laboratory (CIL) which supports the clinical services of the department and hospital, and the Immunology Research Laboratory (IRL) which supports the department's research in rheumatology, clinical immunology and allergy.

Contact IRL

Head and contact person:
Adj A/Prof Kong Kok Ooi
Tel: 6357 7822
Email: kok_ooi_kong@ttsh.com.sg

​The MBL is situated in the Department of Laboratory Medicine (DLM) on the 2nd floor of the TTSH main building.

The activities of this research laboratory depends on the user’s requirements. The work is funded by research grants and driven by researchers. In the recent past, the focus has shifted from histopathology to infectious diseases. Resources include bench space and laboratory equipment. Equipment is also funded by individual grants although TTSH supports ongoing maintenance costs and overheads. We depend heavily on DLM's support. The MBL is open to enquiries and is keen to assist research in any field: it is not limited to the current focus of infection. Please contact Dr Barkham to discuss any ideas or potential research collaboration.

Contact MBL

Director and contact person:
Dr Timothy Barkham
Tel: 6357 8957
Email: timothy_barkham@ttsh.com.sg

​The MDL specialises in laboratory genetics, including sequencing and variant analysis.

The centralised laboratory has been and continues to be an instrumental tool in supporting researchers at TTSH. We have worked with numerous researchers both within and outside the Centre Grant themes to produce publishable results.

Our dedicated group of scientists have a repository of research skills. It includes molecular genetics-trained laboratory experts, and biostatistics, data and IT specialists.

Click here for more information on MDL.

​The Research Centre is named in memory of Professor Feng Pao Hsii (1936–2015), the visionary medical leader who established the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Clinical Research Unit in 1997. Located at level 2 of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) within the integrated HealthCity Novena community, the Research Centre offers various facilities:

• Examination and consultation rooms
• Properly equipped inpatient ward for drug studies
• Drug storage and preparation
• Laboratory specimen processing
• Records storage
• Volunteer entertainment room

​Biobank facility

The establishment of the biobank has allowed researchers in the Hospital to process and store their clinical samples within the facility. This makes sample storage and retrieval efficient and low-cost. The samples are tracked with our in-house developed software, VialTracker, so that various researchers can manage their samples confidently. In 2019, we will enlarge our biobank facility to cater to the increasing number of samples.

Normal Control Repository

The centralised biobank with well-characterised samples enhances our strength as a research institution.

We have collected over 2,500 samples of normal healthy volunteers, almost all donated generously by our staffs. Such samples are highly sought after for translational research, and this gives us an excellent opportunity to align ourselves both with local and international research institutes.

 This biobank has benefitted a wide variety of projects.

​The NCID Research Clinic is a purpose-built facility designed to support research at NCID and other institutions.

The clinic is located at Basement 1 of NCID by the underpass from Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The clinic has five consultation rooms and two phlebotomy rooms.

An adjacent room provides an area for storage and preparation of investigational products on site, while the connected fully-functional satellite laboratory allows for immediate processing and storage of clinical samples.