Biochemistry
The Biochemistry Laboratory is the unit within hospitals and other healthcare institutions responsible for performing biological analyses that assist in the evaluation of diseases and general health conditions, as well as in the diagnosis, treatment, and interpretation of test results.
Biochemistry laboratories play a crucial role in the examination and understanding of various diseases.
Doctors often require specific tests to establish accurate diagnoses based on a patient’s reported symptoms. These tests are conducted by the biochemistry laboratory.
In addition to performing tests, the laboratory also contributes to the interpretation of test results and assists in the decision-making process regarding which tests should be performed.
Biochemistry laboratories operate in close collaboration with clinicians and physicians, ensuring accurate and reliable results to support effective diagnosis and treatment.
Which Diseases Are Diagnosed in the Biochemistry Laboratory?
The Biochemistry Laboratory is responsible for testing body fluid samples — such as blood, urine, and fluids collected from internal body cavities — and reporting the results.
This department primarily performs tests requested by physicians; however, in some cases, it may also recommend specific tests to help ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of various diseases.
- Common tests performed in biochemistry laboratories include:
- Routine biochemical tests
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood gas analysis
- Cardiac markers
- Tumor markers
- Coagulation (hemostasis) tests
- Drug level monitoring
- Metabolic diagnosis and screening tests
- Toxicology tests
- Urine tests
- Electrolyte measurements
- Electrophoresis tests
- Hormone tests
- Enzyme tests
- RIA (Radioimmunoassay) tests — a method commonly used in endocrinology to measure hormone levels
From this perspective, the Biochemistry Laboratory plays an essential role in the diagnosis, identification, and treatment of almost all diseases. It supports diagnostic and follow-up processes in fields such as Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Gynecology, General Surgery, Nutrition and Dietetics, Neurology, Oncology, and Cardiovascular Diseases. Additionally, biochemistry laboratories provide services for all age groups, from newborns to the elderly, contributing to comprehensive patient care and accurate clinical decision-making.