INTRODUCTION:
The Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, as a section of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, was established over 40 years ago. It has developed considerably over the years and currently performs over 600,000 tests annually. The Laboratory maintains ongoing Quality Control, Proficiency Testing, and Performance Improvement programs designed to objectively and systemically monitor and evaluate the quality of its services. This program is based on and consistent with the standards established by the College of American Pathologists.
SCOPE OF SERVICES:
The Laboratory is available for patient (in and out) care services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and provides the following diagnostic and therapeutic tests:
· Routine Blood and Urine Chemistry Analyses
· Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Toxicology Screen, and Trace Metals
· Specialized Chemistry: Tumor Markers, Hormones, Vitamins, Biogenic Amines, Protein Electrophoresis and Related Tests
· Biochemical Genetics: Amino Acids, Organic Acids, Neonatal Screening, Sweat Chloride Analysis, and Lysosomal Enzymes
The Laboratory is equipped with state of the art technology: Highly automated Clinical Chemistry analyzers and Immunoanalyzers with the Laboratory Information System connectivity ensure better reliability and rapid turnaround time. Sophisticated techniques like High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) are utilized for specialized applications.
The competency of our staff is maintained through supervised continuous medical education programs and the development of new procedures. Our Faculty consultation services include interpretation of plasma and CSF amino acids, urine organic acids, protein electrophoresis and related tests.
The laboratory strives to provide quality service through continuous evaluation of the needs of the medical staff and its patient population.