About Clinical Chemistry

Clinical chemists use a wide range of analytical techniques for example, molecular diagnostics, measurement of enzyme activities, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, the separation of molecules based on physical characteristics and immunoassays The work involves manual techniques for which the biomedical scientist develops complex practical and interpretive skills, through to operation and management of highly automated testing systems capable of producing thousands of results an hour. All assays that are closely monitored and quality controlled.

Typical roles

A clinical chemistry department within a hospital provides a link between front line clinical staff and the basic sciences employing analytical and interpretative skills to aid the clinician in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Diseases such as heart attacks, kidney failure, viral and bacterial infection, infertility, diabetics, high cholesterol, thyroid problems or measuring drug levels to make sure people are on the best dose are some of the many areas where the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory becomes involved in a persons. Some regional laboratories are involved in screening services such as phenylketonuria and cystic fibrosis in newborn babies, genetic screening and screening for illegal drug use.