Clinical Biochemistry

Meeting the needs of our users to positively impact patient care

The Clinical Biochemistry department operate a 24/7 service from laboratories based at Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. Serving the CDDFT Acute sites and GP's across Darlington, North Durham and Durham Dales, the service analyses a range of samples including blood, urine and faeces to help clinicians in the diagnosis, monitoring and investigation of pathological conditions.

Offering an urgent turnaround time of 1 hour from sample receipt, the Clinical Biochemistry department offer a wide range of tests and are available for advice via the telephone 24 hours a day. Test information (sample requirements and volumes) can be located in the Test Directory. The department offers the same repertoire across both sites with the following exceptions:

• UHND only - Xanthochromia, TPO, PTH, Gentamicin
• DMH only - CEA, CA125, CA153, CA199, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Procollagen Type 3 Peptide, SHBG, Prolactin, Progesterone, LH, FSH, Testosterone, Oestradiol, Calprotectin, Vitamin D.

A Consultant Chemical Pathologist/Clinical Biochemist can be contacted for clinical advice and interpretation of tests, via the Biochemistry laboratory or via the hospital switchboard. This service is available both routinely and out of hours.

Within the laboratory, staff realise that behind every sample there is a patient and as such we work to high standards to ensure that our contribution to the patient pathway continues to meet the needs of our users and positively impact on patient care.