Leadership team
Tautvydas Karitonas
MDTautvydas Karitonas is a MedTech business leader with over a decade of experience spanning healthcare product development, validation, and commercial execution. He presently serves as the Managing Director at Test Labs, a Medical Device Testing Organisation dedicated to accelerating access to market for medical devices, and his work focuses on building teams and systems that deliver certainty at speed, helping innovators move faster without compromising on standards.
Tautvydas holds BSc and MSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering, which provides him with a distinctive approach that links product design and development process with verification, validation, and operational delivery. As Managing Director, he has scaled Test Labs through disciplined execution, customer-first service design, and a clear strategy for growth in regulated markets, with a leadership style anchored in clarity, accountability, and trust, values that shape culture, performance, and long-term client relationships. Recognised for turning strategy into measurable outcomes, he leads with a focus on disciplined growth, commercial execution, and high-performing teams that deliver exceptional customer experience at speed, with a broader aim to raise the standard of how medical device testing supports innovation – creating confidence that helps safer technologies reach patients faster.
Enrico Allegra
Director of OperationsAs Director of Operations at Test Labs, Enrico is responsible for the end‑to‑end delivery of the company’s laboratory and technical services, with a particular focus on medical device validation, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance. He oversees the full operational landscape of Test Labs, ensuring that scientific quality, client delivery, and regulatory rigour are embedded across all functions.
With over a decade of experience in pre‑clinical safety assessment and regulated testing environments, Enrico brings a strong scientific foundation to his leadership role. He holds a BSc in Immunology with Medical Microbiology and an MSc in Clinical Microbiology from Queen Mary University of London, where his postgraduate research focused on the development of rapid diagnostic PCR methods in collaboration with Barts Health NHS Trust.
Throughout his career, Enrico has worked extensively within GLP and ISO‑accredited environments. He has led and supported regulatory testing programmes designed to meet the requirements of global authorities such as the FDA, EPA, and MHRA, and has played a key role in method development, validation, and technology transfer.
At Test Labs, Enrico has been instrumental in the establishment and expansion of the company’s medical device testing and validation capabilities. He has led the development of services supporting reusable and reprocessed medical devices, including validation under GLP and ISO 17025, and has guided teams in designing robust, compliant testing strategies aligned with client and regulatory expectations.
In his current role, Enrico provides operational leadership across laboratory services, quality, and technical delivery. He works closely with clients and internal teams to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely and in line with regulatory expectations, while continuing to support the growth and evolution of Test Labs’ medical device offering.
Toni Carlton
Head of Q&CToni has 10 years of experience working in a UKAS accredited laboratory within a variety of roles. Prior to working at Test Labs, Toni worked in an ISO 15189 accredited clinical biochemistry department within the NHS; achieving her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Biomedical Science at the University of Westminster and became a HCPC registered biomedical scientist, gaining knowledge and on-the-job experience in a variety of scientific disciplines.
Her role within the NHS was heavily focused on quality assurance, gaining a high level of knowledge on quality control, validation and verification, document control and implementation of new processes. The skills gained were then transferrable over to her roles within Test Labs where she is currently the Head of Quality and Compliance, responsible for implementing, managing, and maintaining Quality, Health and Safety, Environmental and Information Security Management systems to meet regulatory and statutory requirements and meet the needs of our interested parties.
As part of her role Toni has gained experience and knowledge with a number of different quality systems including ISO 17025, ISO 13485, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and ISO 9001 as well as global medical device regulations.
Anthea Nelson
Anthea is a dedicated In-House General Counsel with a track record of providing invaluable legal guidance to a range of businesses. With real business background she brings over 20 years of experience. Anthea excels in simplifying complex legal issues, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance. As a strategic thinker, she has adeptly protected company interests, negotiated complex contracts, and streamlined legal operations. Constantly balancing legal acumen with business acumen, Anthea is a key member of the team and a trusted adviser. Outside of work Anthea’s 3 teenagers keep her busy.
Chris Wood
Finance DirectorChris is ACA-qualified Chartered Accountant, with a background spanning M&A advisory at Deloitte, private equity investment at LDC, and strategic finance consulting as Director at Ārahi. He brings to Test Labs a combination of transaction expertise, investor-grade financial rigour, and hands-on operational leadership.
Chris began his career in Deloitte’s M&A team, advising private equity and privately owned businesses on transactions exceeding £400m in combined enterprise value. He later joined LDC, one of the UK’s leading mid-market private equity firms, where he executed investments across the £10m-£100m+ EV range and supported portfolio companies in driving post-investment value creation and successful exits.
Through his work at Ārahi and as a Fractional CFO, Chris has helped growth-focused businesses strengthen financial infrastructure, enhance board reporting, implement performance-driven KPI frameworks, and prepare for exit. He has also delivered finance and value creation training programmes for private equity firms and industry bodies, including the BVCA.
At Test Labs, Chris focuses on building the financial clarity, governance, and strategic foundations required to support ambitious growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
He holds a First Class Honours degree in Business and Management from the University of Exeter.
Lizzie Robson
Lizzie is a dynamic HR and Recruitment Professional with a passion for driving organisational growth through talent acquisition and management. With 4 years’ experience in the diverse group, this has honed Lizzie’s skills, along with her level 5 CIPD qualification.
Lizzie has a natural talent for resolving conflicts and fostering a positive workplace culture that promotes employee engagement and retention. Lizzie also has a passion for understanding employee needs and how this can be aligned to the strategic growth of the business. As a strategic thinker and problem solver, Lizzie works closely with the teams identifying talent gaps, developing innovative recruitment strategies, and fostering strong relationships with both candidates and hiring managers. Her approach to recruitment goes beyond matching skills and qualifications; she strives to align candidates with company culture and long-term goals.
Luann Hadfield
Luann is an Executive Assistant at Test Labs with over 20 years experience supporting senior leaders across the financial services, insurance, and healthcare sectors. She provides high-level strategic and operational support, enabling leadership teams to perform at pace within complex and highly regulated environments.
Known for her discretion, integrity, and sound judgement, Luann combines exceptional organisational capability with a proactive, solutions-focused approach. She excels at managing competing priorities, coordinating complex logistics, and maintaining seamless operations while upholding the highest standards of confidentiality.
Luann brings a calm, people-centred presence to her role and is recognised as trustworthy, approachable, and dependable. A strong advocate of company values, she contributes to fostering inclusive, engaged, and high-performing teams across the organisation.
Business development team
Marianne Browning
Head of SalesMarianne brings over 15 years of experience in sales and customer partnership within laboratory and healthcare environments. Working across both the NHS and private sector, she has developed deep expertise in medical device testing and the regulatory landscape that manufacturers must navigate.
As Head of Sales at Test Labs, Marianne works closely with medical device companies to understand their development timelines, regulatory requirements, and testing needs. She is known for helping clients cut through complexity, translating laboratory processes and standards into clear, practical next steps that support successful regulatory submissions.
Marianne’s background in laboratory services gives her a unique ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and customers. Acting as a trusted point of contact, she ensures clients receive clear guidance, responsive support, and testing strategies that align with their commercial and regulatory goals.
She is particularly valued for the relationships she builds with customers, combining industry knowledge with a collaborative approach that helps manufacturers move forward with confidence.
Eleanor Barnes
Grant FundingEleanor is responsible for identifying and securing grant funding sources for Test Labs projects, resources, and capital expenditure. She works alongside outside organisations to consult on potential partnership grant opportunities and support collaborative grant applications by reviewing applications, making recommendations on the feasibility of proposals, bid writing, through to submission.
She has experience and success on working with small scale localised grants and large scale funding organisations such as Horizon Europe and Innovate UK.
Eleanor is responsible for identifying and securing grant funding sources for Test Labs projects, resources, and capital expenditure. She works alongside outside organisations to consult on potential partnership grant opportunities and support collaborative grant applications by reviewing applications, making recommendations on the feasibility of proposals, bid writing, through to submission.
She has experience and success on working with small scale localised grants and large scale funding organisations such as Horizon Europe and Innovate UK.
Holly Scott
Account ManagerHolly brings over a decade of invaluable experience in the customer service industry, where she has excelled in bringing both sales and service teams together. Throughout her career, Holly has played a pivotal role in project managing exit strategies and implementing cutting-edge systems in collaboration with tech divisions. Specialising in business tech integration, Holly’s strategic acumen and hands-on approach have consistently driven successful outcomes, making her an asset in ensuring the customer is at the forefront of the business.
Emily Currey
Account ManagerEmily brings over 7 years’ experience in account management in medical device sector to our team. Her expertise lies with having a strong background in client relations. Emily has spent years building lasting partnerships with clients and helping to drive the business growth forward.
Over the past 7 years’ Emily has worked across diverse industries, most recently in a laboratory industry, managing key accounts and delivering tailored solutions that align with client goals. Emily’s skills have allowed her to focus on clear communication, problem solving and decision making allowing her to consistently exceed expectations and support long term client successes.
Emily goal is give the best service to our customers by building a great rapport and being hands on by supporting them through their projects.
Zara Khan
Business Development ExecutiveZara a Business Development Executive focused on building strong pipelines, exploring new markets, and converting opportunities into long-term partnerships. Alongside driving growth, she manages incoming enquiries and works closely with the operations and laboratory teams to ensure smooth project delivery from start to finish. Zara combines a consultative and technically informed approach when supporting the full delivery lifecycle from first scoping testing requirements through to implementation. She is also confident helping clients navigate regulatory expectations, understanding the pathways, how clients can meet medical-device standards and how they can help at Test Labs.
Furhad Azhar
Business Development ExecutiveFurhad is a Business Development Executive at Test Labs, where he works closely with medical device manufacturers to support their testing and product development needs. His role focuses on building strong partnerships with clients and helping them identify the most appropriate testing pathways to support the safety, performance, and market readiness of their devices.
Working closely with Test Labs’ technical teams, Furhad supports organisations from the initial enquiry through to project delivery, ensuring clients receive clear guidance and efficient support throughout the testing process. He has developed a strong understanding of the testing requirements across the medical device industry, helping manufacturers progress their products through critical stages of development and validation.
Known for his proactive and relationship-focused approach, Furhad is committed to making the testing journey as straightforward as possible for clients. By combining commercial insight with a growing technical understanding of medical device testing, he helps organisations navigate development challenges, align with regulatory expectations, and bring innovative medical technologies to market with confidence.
Jovile Karitone
Jovile is Associate Editor for Outlook by Test Labs, the company’s industry publication dedicated to advancing dialogue across the medical device sector. She leads editorial direction while shaping integrated marketing strategies that strengthen brand visibility and drive engagement across digital channels.
Working at the intersection of technical expertise and strategic communication, Jo helps translate complex regulatory, clinical, and testing topics into clear, insight-led content tailored to MedTech leaders, QA/RA professionals, and manufacturers. Her work spans long-form thought leadership articles, campaign development, LinkedIn strategy, website content, and lead-generation initiatives aligned with commercial objectives.
With a focus on positioning Test Labs as a trusted voice in medical device testing and compliance, she combines storytelling with performance-driven marketing to support brand growth, industry influence, and meaningful sector engagement.
Andy Lloyd
With over 20 years of industry experience, Andy is a highly accomplished communications and design professional with a strong foundation in brand development and strategic execution. He holds a First Class Honours degree in Graphic Communication from the University of Northampton, kick-starting his career in both creative excellence and strategic thinking.
Andy’s design work and expertise spans both print and digital environments, underpinned by hands-on print know-how and grounding gained in the early stages of his career. Having worked within creative agencies and in-house marketing teams, he brings practical production knowledge alongside strategic thinking. This breadth has given him a comprehensive understanding of the full creative and commercial lifecycle, from initial concept and brand strategy through to delivery, production, and execution.
Throughout his career, he has produced impactful work for household brands while also gaining valuable insight across multiple industry sectors. His diverse background enables him to quickly understand business challenges, translate them into compelling visual and strategic solutions, and deliver results that strengthen brand presence and performance.
Combining creative expertise with practical execution, Andy brings clarity, versatility, and a results-focused mindset to every project.
Expert laboratory team
Sophie Bell
Study ManagerSophie has 8 years of experience working with Medical Devices. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Sheffield.
During her carer she has work with combination of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device quality control testing within GLP, GMP and FDA accredited setting. During this time, she trained in cytotoxicity testing, endotoxin testing, microbiological quality and other cell-based in-vitro toxicology assays. She was appointed as a GLP Study Director, conducting cytotoxicity studies and multi-site studies for medical device submission. She was involved in designing bespoke testing solutions for complex products, method verification,
Prior to joining Test Labs, Sophie was working as a Regulatory Affairs Consultant specialising in UK MDR 2002 (as amended), MDD 93/42/EEC, IVDD 98/72/EC, MDR 2017/745 and IVDR 2017/746. Biological evaluation, risk management, clinical evaluation, and device registrations in the UK and EU.
Here at Test Labs, she is a Senior Study Manager focussing on biological evaluation and biocompatibility testing as a GLP study director.
Chris Sibanda
Study ManagerChris is a Study Manager at Test Labs and a recognised expert in microbiology and end-to-end medical device validation. He works within UKAS ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories and GLP and GMP environments, supporting manufacturers with the robust, audit-ready evidence required for EU MDR compliance and FDA 510(k) submissions.
Chris’s background spans the full spectrum of laboratory operations across UKAS ISO/IEC 17025, GLP, and GMP frameworks. Prior to joining Test Labs, he worked as a Senior Microbiologist specialising in method validation and the microbiological analysis of pharmaceutical products and medical devices in accordance with Ph. Eur. standards.
At Test Labs, Chris partners with R&D, Quality, and Regulatory teams to build the scientific evidence base for regulatory submissions, from EU MDR technical documentation to FDA 510(k) filings. His work focuses on designing defensible study plans with clear rationales, current state-of-the-art guidance, appropriate acceptance criteria, and results that withstand regulatory scrutiny.
Manufacturers who work with Chris value his pragmatic approach and his ability to translate complex and evolving regulatory expectations into clear, actionable evidence that supports patient safety, stands up to audit, and helps accelerate market access.
Syeda Begum
Study ManagerSyeda joined Test Labs straight after university and holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and a research master’s degree in Chemistry. At university, Syeda had the opportunity to work in various departments including in battery chemistry, and her master’s project involved obtaining data that would go on to be included in a paper (titled: Self‐Assembled Anion‐Binding Cryptand for the Selective Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Phosphate Anions) published in Angewandte Chemie – a high impact factor journal and one of the prime chemistry journals in the world. At Test Labs, Syeda has been able to use her chemistry knowledge in the development and implementation of different assays to detect and quantify analytes, such as hydrogen peroxide and haemoglobin.
Syeda has gained extensive knowledge in microbiology while working on efficacy studies to support disinfectant manufacturers in validating their claims. With a good understanding of the regulatory standards, she has been able to support clients in understanding what tests they need, including microbiological assessments and/or stability testing of active ingredients.
Syeda is an expert in material compatibility studies, helping to develop and validate the current in-house technical procedures at Test Labs. Whether it’s a medical device manufacturer wanting to understand what materials are suitable and safe to use for their devices, or a disinfectant manufacturer wanting to understand the impact of their chemicals on material surfaces, Syeda has the knowledge to help guide clients towards the most appropriate testing plan and getting the most appropriate analysis completed on those materials.
Syeda is able to leverage her chemistry, microbiology and material science experience in her role as a Study Manager when supporting clients with their testing journey. With a keen interest in method development, Syeda has supported in many R&D projects with bespoke testing plans that help to meet client requirements, as well as helping with the introduction of new testing procedures at Test Labs.
Riwia Chetian
Biocompatibility SpecialistRiwia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Immunology from Imperial College London. Her MSc thesis, titled ‘Characterising the Role of MALT1 Paracaspase Activity in Psoriatic CARD14 Signalling’, provided extensive experience in in vitro assay development, mammalian cell culture, and analytical methodologies widely applied within regulated laboratory environments.
At Test Labs, Riwia has played a key role in the introduction and establishment of biocompatibility testing in accordance with ISO 10993 standards. She helped lead the implementation of ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity testing within the laboratory and supported validation of the method under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). This involved maintaining cell culture systems, executing validated protocols, and embedding quality-controlled processes to meet regulatory requirements for medical device evaluation.
Alongside her work in biocompatibility, Riwia conducts UKAS-accredited ISO 17025 disinfectant efficacy testing to European standards. Her background in microbiology and immunology enables her to confidently deliver both antimicrobial efficacy studies and cell-based medical device evaluations within a fully regulated framework.
Riwia is a dedicated and hard-working scientist whose combined expertise in microbiology, immunology, and regulatory compliance supports the development, validation, and delivery of high-quality testing across both disinfectant efficacy and medical device biocompatibility.
James Tolmie
Facilities CoordinatorJames has almost ten years of experience in product testing across a wide range of medical device categories, with a special focus on disinfection and healthcare equipment. As Facilities Coordinator at Test Labs, he ensures the laboratory’s equipment and facilities meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and compliance. To manage Test Labs’ expanding inventory and associated documentation, he developed a custom database that is continuously upgraded to support the lab’s evolving needs.
Before joining Test Labs, James worked as a Mastering Technician for over two years, gaining hands-on experience in product testing, R&D, and quality assurance. He maintained an archival database of nearly 3,000 customer projects and assisted in internal audits to ensure the company’s compliance with ISO standards, helping bridge the gap between technical work and regulatory requirements.
At Test Labs, James also supports studies that require specialised equipment by designing and building bespoke test rigs. These are built in consultation with the client, so the final results always meet or exceed expectations. His creations include stress testers for touch-screen controls, a replica of industrial pipework complete with steam sterilisation, temperature probes, and pressure monitoring, and a custom pressure chamber – all tailored to meet the specific requirements of testing programmes.
Chris Gilbert
Laboratory Team LeaderAs a Healthcare Scientist, Christopher has been working in healthcare laboratories for over a decade including NHS pathology, large CRO’s, and Start-up Biotech. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Bioscience from Anglia Ruskin University followed by a master’s degree in Cancer and Molecular and Cellular Biology from Queen Mary University of London.
His BSc project involved testing immunohistochemistry diluents from different manufactures and in-house produced for bacterial growth to determine suitable expiry after opening and the effects of continual use within a working lab. For his MSc project, he used overlap extension PCR cloning with bacterial protein expression and purification to produce and test novel proteins for interactions in lateral flow device signal amplification.
His career began at Addenbrookes Hospital in Gynae cytology working within the lab to process hundreds of samples per week from receipt in the lab through to Papanicolaou stained slides for screening under UKAS Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA). He then moved into the Histopathology department as they prepared to transition to the ISO 15189 standard working in all areas preparing samples, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining. His time in the NHS concluded at Papworth Hospital working in the combined Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, and Cytology Laboratories.
While working in the NHS Christopher was involved in brining in numerous new technology’s to the laboratories such as HPV screening, HER2 immunohistochemistry, and semi-automated slide preparation. This experience drove his choice to move to a large CRO to be part of developing and validating novel technology for use in healthcare. He worked as a Study Director conducting pre-clinical testing under GLP requirements, and was responsible Scientist on clinical studies under GCP. In this role he was able to gain expert knowledge of testing to meet the requirements for regulatory submission to various authorising bodies, such as FDA, EPA, MHRA. He was heavily involved in method development and validation, and had a keen interest in bringing innovative testing procedures to meet client needs. To name some of these; developing and validating in-house conjugation of proteins, introduction of vertical staining practices, introduction and validation of RNAscope, and development and validation of novel automated immunohistochemistry.
During the height of the pandemic, he worked for a small start-up developing lateral flow devices for Covid amongst other targets such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) and Mycoplasma. This work included a novel approach to signal amplification that could be used in immunohistochemistry, blotting techniques, lateral flow, or ELISA, and a technique allowing direct DNA testing on a lateral flow device.
Here at Test Labs, he acts as the Laboratory Team Leader overseeing the daily operation of Medical Device testing spanning from microbiology, chemistry and product testing.
He strives for excellence in both clinical evaluations and technical assessments, ensuring the team are aligned in their approach to achieve the highest quality and integrity for the work produced.
Clare Highnam
Quality and Compliance LeadClare has over 20 years of experience in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as GXP Regulations (GLP, GMP, GCP), ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, with a strong track record in maintaining high standards of quality across diverse industries,
Before joining Test Labs, Clare held the role of Quality Assurance Manager at Oxford Analytical Services Ltd. in Bicester, UK, where she was responsible for overseeing compliance with GLP, GMP, and ISO 17025 across the company’s test facility. In this role, Clare planned and conducted a wide range of audits, from internal studies and processes to supplier assessments, ensuring adherence to both internal and external quality standards. She also played a pivotal role in managing the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring all processes and systems were validated, qualified, and compliant with regulatory guidelines.
Before joining Oxford Analytical Services, Clare held significant roles at G.C. Laboratories Ltd., where she advanced from Quality Assurance Officer to Senior Quality Assurance Officer, contributing to compliance efforts in the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and animal health sectors. In this capacity, Clare maintained close communication with senior management, clients, and regulatory authorities, delivering specialised training and overseeing the development and management of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Additionally, Clare led internal audits, CAPA investigations, and risk management activities, ensuring robust compliance monitoring and continuous improvement.
Earlier in her career, she worked at Whitbread PLC, where Clare managed the Gas Chromatography Laboratory and led projects in both the brewery and Beefeater divisions, integrating HACCP practices into the restaurant environment.
Clare’s experience spans the entire QA process, from conducting regulatory analyses to providing technical guidance to staff. I find it particularly rewarding contributing to new initiatives, improving processes, and providing expert guidance in maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring the highest quality standards.
Bryan Viernes
Quality and Compliance ManagerBryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and has completed graduate-level units in Environmental Engineering, combining strong scientific foundations with advanced knowledge in environmental systems, regulatory compliance, and organizational governance.
He brings multidisciplinary experience across the healthcare, environmental, and pharmaceutical industries, operating within highly regulated environments where quality, safety, data integrity, and compliance are critical to operational excellence.
Currently serving as Quality and Compliance Manager at Test Labs, Bryan ensures the development, implementation, and continual improvement of the organisation’s Integrated Management Systems (IMS). He directs compliance strategy, oversees internal audit programmes, strengthens risk management frameworks, and drives process optimisation initiatives to ensure alignment with international standards and evolving regulatory expectations.
Bryan has extensive experience implementing and managing systems aligned with ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems). His expertise spans operational risk management, process mapping and gap analysis, internal auditing and compliance monitoring, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) systems, and performance evaluation and management review processes.
He has also led information security audits aligned with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information Security Management Systems), supporting structured risk-based approaches to data protection and governance.
Bryan’s cross-industry background enables him to bridge technical operations with strategic oversight, designing systems that are practical, scalable, and aligned with long-term organisational objectives while fostering a culture of accountability and continual improvement.