Core chemistry
Electrolytes, renal, liver, bone and metabolic profiles.
World time
Molecular Laboratory Clinic / Diagnostic discipline
Biochemistry
Translate concentrations of enzymes, metabolites, proteins, electrolytes and hormones into clinically useful patterns.
Purpose and scope
Evidence designed for the decision.
Clinical biochemistry supports screening, diagnosis, monitoring and risk assessment. Fasting status, collection time, posture, medicines, haemolysis and other pre-analytical factors can affect results, which must be read with reference intervals and the person’s clinical context.
Scope noteAvailability, recognised methods and accreditation status must be confirmed for the exact laboratory, location, test and sample type before use.
Specialist capabilities
A connected technical programme.
Panels are selected after the question, sample matrix, applicable limits, required sensitivity and reporting purpose are understood.
Cardiometabolic health
Glucose control, lipids and selected cardiovascular markers.
Endocrinology
Thyroid and other hormone pathways selected for the clinical question.
Nutritional status
Iron, vitamin and protein markers with appropriate interpretive limits.
Samples and evidence
Defined matrices.
Controlled handling.
Correct container, identity, preservation, temperature, transport and holding time are agreed before collection.
01Serum02Plasma03Urine04Whole blood05Timed collections06Specialist referral specimens
The laboratory pathway
Confirm request, consent and patient identification
Collect and transport the correct specimen
Examine with validated methods and quality controls
Authorise, interpret and communicate the report
Authoritative framework
Primary guidance for quality and practice.
COHSEW summarises these sources; it does not reproduce standards or replace current national rules and competent professional judgement.
Need a programme for Biochemistry?