One of the main analysers in Chemical Pathology at Epsom Hospital
The department of chemical pathology and metabolism has laboratories based at Epsom Hospital and St Helier Hospital offering a diagnostic and advisory service to the local and wider health economy.
The department provides a comprehensive range of routine analyses, a number of which are available on a full 24-hour service, together with a range of more specialised analyses.
Specialised analytical services
We provide a range of specialised analyses in the areas of reproductive and adrenal hormones, PTH, a range of vitamins, tumour markers, porphyrins, biogenic amines, therapeutic drug monitoring, and tests for disorders of essential and long chain fatty acids. A drugs of abuse analytical service with screening and confirmatory assays is also provided.
These are undertaken for the local population and as a tertiary provider of services for other laboratories across the UK.
Staff discuss testing of a sample
Urgent tests
Many tests can be performed urgently but these must be discussed in advance.
Clinical advice
Experienced clinicians and scientists are available to discuss the use and interpretation of specialised tests
Regional newborn bloodspot screening service
The department also includes the South West Thames Newborn Bloodspot Screening laboratory. This provides screening for rare congenital, usually inherited, disorders using a bloodspot sample. The laboratory follows guidelines produced by the UK Newborn Screening Programme Centre. For more information contact http://newbornbloodspot.screening.nhs.uk
Clinical services
Clinicians from the department operate clinics at St Helier and West Park hospitals for management of lipid disorders and renal stones.
This area of the Chemical Pathology Laboratory at St Helier Hospital deals with heel-prick samples taken from newborns.
Research
The department has close links with the research and clinical trials units within the hospital and a significant record of published works on many aspects of metabolism, analysis and investigation of disease.
External quality control schemes
Chemical pathology also organises and administers an external quality assessment scheme for carotene and vitamins A and E.
Teaching
Senior members of staff are involved in training and education of postgraduate and undergraduate students both within the Trust and in academic units in the southeast.
Testing for drugs of abuse
A drugs of abuse service is available at the Epsom laboratory. This service is offered primarily to assist in clinical management of addiction. Sample collection under Chain of Custody can be provided for employment screening and where legally required.
