The biochemistry department offers a broad spectrum of tests used in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease.
This involves the measurement of specific chemical components of body fluids using a variety of analytical techniques. The department is divided into three sections:
- Automation – This section performs the high volume of routine and urgent tests required from biochemistry in a large NHS trust. It is staffed 24 hours a day, with minimal staffing levels outside core hours.
- Endocrinology – This section offers a comprehensive range of endocrine tests including tumour markers, hormone assays and markers of cardiac damage.
- Special chemistry – This section performs a range of assays, which require the use of specialist analytical techniques.
Referred test information
A number of biochemistry investigations require referral to external laboratories. We have identified a list of these tests which are expensive in cost and specialist in nature and should be requested on a named consultant basis only.
The list in the table below highlights these tests in which the requesting consultant should be named in the clinical details box of the request alongside the reason for request. This will act as authorisation for the test, and if absent, samples will be delayed until this information is provided.
Referral laboratories may require further clinical details to aid the clinical interpretation and this will also allow the appropriate consultant to be contacted if additional information is required regarding the case.
- 7-Dehydrocholesterol
- ALP Isoenzymes
- Alpha-galactosidase
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone/AMH (non fertility clinic requesters)
- Asialotransferrin (TAU) CSF
- Cholinesterase
- Full porphyria testing (not initial screening)
- Glycine CSF/Glycine plasma
- Haemochromotosis Genotyping
- Macroprolactin
- Pipecolic Acid urine
- Urine Steroid profile
- Titanium
- Alpha Sub Unit
- Amyloid A
- AVP (arginine vasopressin)
- Beta quantification lipids
- Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase
- G-1-P Uridyl Transferase
- Gut hormones for example CgA, NKA, PP, Gastrin
- Orexin CSF
- Plasma Pipecolic Acid
- Trimethylamines
- Vitamin K
- White cell enzymes
- Very long chain fatty acid
If you have queries about this information contact James Cook biochemistry lab – 01642 850850 extension 54371.