Clinical Chemistry

The chemistry department of a hospital laboratory is the busiest section of the laboratory. This department is where blood elements such as sodium, potassium, liver function tests and glucose are measured. Almost every hospitalized patient is tested for the common chemistry elements every day and outpatients also commonly undergo these tests. The chemistry department typically has a large analyzer to perform most of their chemistry tests but also will have several smaller units to perform certain specialized tests. Most laboratories will also have at least one back-up analyzer just in case their main analyzer needs servicing or for those tests that are done frequently, and they can do the same tests on at least two different analyzers. Having technologists experienced in chemistry is a must for any laboratory performing chemistry tests.