The biochemistry service is based at The James Cook University Hospital and also provides a range of services at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.
Biochemistry offers a full range of diagnostic tests at the James Cook site and a limited service at the Friarage Hospital.
These will measure levels of specific chemical components of body fluids required to assess or monitor the function/dysfunction of organs such as the heart, kidney, liver, thyroid etc.
Tests include blood glucose, electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, lipids (fats), other metabolic substances, and proteins.
These tests are performed using fully automated and sophisticated equipment, able to handle high volumes and make results available within a very short turnaround time.
UKAS accreditation
South Tees Pathology Service (excluding the Andrology Service) is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory (No. 9210) to the ISO15189:2012 standards for medical laboratories.
Our accreditation is limited to those activities described on our UKAS schedule of accreditation.
The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
The biochemistry laboratory is based within the pathology department at The James Cook University Hospital.
It is a purpose built laboratory opened in 2002. We are able to offer a wide range of basic and complex investigations on-site or by referral laboratories.
Urgent samples
Please be aware that an automated track deals with the routine chemistry workload. Urgent samples should be appropriately highlighted on the request form to ensure that the sample is processed in a timely manner.
A 24-hour shift system operates for the biochemistry department, offering all analyses that are likely to be needed in an emergency situation.
Outside of the core hours the department offers both routine and emergency investigations from a more limited repertoire. Priority will be given to urgent work since most shifts are single-handed.
Where possible, users should avoid sending samples to the laboratory between 4am and 6am since this time is dedicated to essential maintenance, calibration and quality control of instruments prior to the delivery of ITU samples at 6am.
Additional tests may be requested by phone for up to two days after receipt in the laboratory, subject to relevant analyte stability.
The core laboratory working hours are 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. An emergency service runs outside of these hours.
Consultant advice is available 24 hours a day – please contact via the hospital switchboard on 01642 850850.
Friarage Hospital, Northallerton
The biochemistry laboratory at the Friarage Hospital is based within the blood sciences department. It is a new purpose built laboratory opened in 2007.
The laboratory offers a basic range of routine and emergency diagnostic tests. More complex tests are referred to the laboratory at The James Cook University Hospital or to reference laboratories.
The core laboratory working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. An emergency service runs outside these hours.
Consultant advice is available 24 hours a day-please contact via the hospital switchboard on 01609 779911.
Generator tests
It is requested that only urgent requests are sent in during this time as the department is manned by minimal staff to allow for machine maintenance. This will help the more timely processing of urgent samples. Routine work should be left for core hours.