Chemical Pathology

Our Chemical Pathology division provides a wide range of services based on the chemical analysis of blood, body fluids and tissues. 

Chemical pathologists and senior scientists are involved in all stages of the clinical testing cycle, from direct patient care, advising on the most appropriate investigation of a patient, interpretation of test results, and screening of at-risk individuals. 

Clinical consultation

On-call clinical consultation phone: 08 8222 3444

A chemical pathologist is available by phone 24 hours a day to provide advice to clinicians.

Biochemistry

General biochemistry tests include tests of kidney and liver function, glucose and cholesterol, which are performed at all metropolitan and country laboratories, and iron (performed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre and Women's and Children's Hospital sites). Chemical Pathology supervises the quality and consistency of results across the state.

Endocrinology

Medical staff in Chemical Pathology provide direct patient care in endocrinology and osteoporosis at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre. We provide a comprehensive range of endocrine tests. Chemical Pathology is responsible for the quality of these results, test selection and interpretative advice.

Pharmacology

The Chemical Pathology division collaborates closely with the Clinical Pharmacology unit at Flinders Medical Centre to provide testing and interpretation for a wide range of therapeutic drugs, including anticonvulsants, antibiotics, psychiatric drugs, drugs used in cardiology and immunosuppressants.

Toxicology

We test drugs of abuse using a combination of screening and gas chromatography to the AS/NZS 4308:2008 standard. Testing may occur in the setting of poisoning by an unknown agent, or in workplace-based testing.

For more information, visit our Drug and Alcohol Testing page.

Metabolic

Metabolic testing in Chemical Pathology includes vitamin testing, testing of kidney stones and testing for inherited metabolic disease.

Cancer screening and monitoring

Faecal occult blood testing to screen for colorectal cancer is provided in addition to the national screening program. Tumour markers are useful in monitoring cancers of prostate, breast, colon, ovary and other tissues but are not recommended for screening. Chemical Pathology supervises the quality and continuity of these tests.