Clinical Chemistry
Clinical biochemistry specialises in analysing blood and other bodily fluids in order to assess the balance of the body’s metabolic processes.
Handling over 10 000 samples and processing around 150 000 tests daily, the BCPS clinical chemistry service relies on automated systems and a team of scientists and laboratory technicians to cater for both hospital patients and the local community.
Our service supports urgent medical service, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at our Hub laboratory located at New Cross Hospital (Wolverhampton), and at our Essential Services Laboratories (ESLs) located at Russell’s Hall Hospital (Dudley), Walsall Manor Hospital, and the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (Birmingham).
Many of our tests are organised into test profiles, for example ‘liver function tests’, or ‘renal profile’, which are designed to aid clinicians in diagnosis when combined with clinical examinations and other diagnostic services.
Sample testing is performed using a variety of analytical equipment, each based on different testing principles. This allows us to provide a comprehensive test repertoire, leaving only some uncommon tests requiring referral to specialist laboratories across the UK.
Some substances, such as certain medications or supplements, can occasionally interfere with test results, and cause inaccurate results. Detailed information on known interferences is available here.
Our non-routine, specialist biochemistry tests, which typically utilise more specialised equipment and processes, are largely analysed at the Specialist Hub located at Sandwell Health Campus. This includes toxicology, specialist TDM testing (TPMT, 6-TGN, biologics), Trace metals, vitamins, and biogenic amines. Our faecal testing services (calprotectin, FIT (faecal immunochemical testing), and faecal elastase) are located at the Russells Hall Hospital site. For further information on our specialist chemistry services please visit our specialist services webpage.
