Overview
Chemical pathology, a pivotal branch of clinical pathology, focuses on the biochemical analysis of bodily fluids to diagnose diseases and monitor health status. This field integrates various laboratory techniques and methodologies to analyze chemical markers in blood, urine, and other specimens.
By employing advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry and immunoassays, chemical pathologists can identify abnormalities that may indicate underlying health issues. For instance, alterations in glucose levels can signal diabetes mellitus while abnormal liver enzyme levels may suggest hepatic dysfunction.
A critical aspect of chemical pathology is the pre-analytical phase, which encompasses specimen collection, handling, and preparation prior to analysis. Errors during this phase can significantly impact test results and lead to misdiagnosis.
Factors such as improper specimen storage conditions or delays in processing samples can introduce variability that jeopardizes the reliability of biochemical assessments.
Therefore, establishing robust protocols for specimen management is essential for ensuring accurate diagnostic outcomes.