Specialised Chemistry

The specialised chemistry laboratory offers a diverse range of diagnostic services, with more than 300 tests in our repertoire, ranging from drugs of abuse screening and confirmation to renal stone analysis to porphyria diagnostics and antenatal screening.

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Our analytical capabilities bridge traditional methodologies with cutting-edge technology, seamlessly integrating classic manual testing methods alongside state-of-the-art diagnostic platforms. Beyond testing, we provide vital consultation services to clinicians navigating complex clinical dilemmas, ensuring optimal patient care through our specialised chemistry knowledge.

The chromatography section combines sensitive and accurate detection capabilities with comprehensive analytical expertise which includes:

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Toxicology testing: Providing definitive confirmatory testing for drugs of abuse and medication monitoring, ensuring reliable results for critical clinical, arbitration and legal decisions.

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Industrial testing: Equipped to process large sample volumes with efficiency, we maintain rapid turnaround times that consistently meet and exceed client expectations.

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Clinical Chromatography: Delivering specialised diagnostics including porphyria fractionation, biogenic amine detection, vitamin A and E measurement, and superwarfarin analysis to name a few, supporting clinicians with precise data for challenging cases.

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Our department is staffed by highly specialised and skilled scientists who uphold the highest ethical standards in laboratory practice. This expert team continuously engages in method development and validation, creating customised analytical approaches to address emerging clinical challenges and enhance testing precision.

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Their commitment to scientific excellence and innovation ensures our chromatography services remain at the forefront of specialised diagnostic testing.

A comprehensive range of biological specimens including blood, urine, stool, amniotic fluid, saliva, sweat, and cerebrospinal fluid can be analysed. The laboratory operates 24 hours a day to ensure timely processing of all samples. With advanced automated analyzers capable of handling high-volume testing, we maintain efficiency without compromising on quality.

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Comprehensive screening and monitoring service for patients with plasma cell dyscrasias and multiple myeloma

State-of-the-art capillary electrophoresis systems for protein electrophoresis analysis, combined with immunotyping, serum free light chain analysis on dual methodology platforms and beta-2 microglobulin assessment.

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Radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques

Sensitive detection of low concentration analytes such as procollagen 3 N-terminal peptide (P3NP) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, as well as specialised multiple sclerosis screening with oligoclonal bands testing and IgG Indices.

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Xanthochromic index

For investigating possible intracranial bleeds, we perform analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.

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Automated platform testing

Includes cystatin C, small dense low density lipoproteins (sdLDL) and insulin growth factors (IGF) to name a few of the more niche tests.

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Therapeutic drug level monitoring service

Includes topiramate, levetiracetam (Keppra), voriconazole and caffeine-levels.

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While most of our testing is automated, we maintain expertise in manual methodologies for specialized tests such as L/S ratios and urine and faecal reducing substances. Additionally, we provide around-the-clock screening for acute porphyrias, ensuring critical results are available when needed most.

Equipped with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrumentation and atomic absorption technology, we deliver exceptional sensitivity and specificity in metal detection across blood and urine specimens.

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Industrial biological monitoring becomes seamless with our expertise and high-throughput analysis capabilities, aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act's Regulations on Hazardous Chemicals.

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Our comprehensive service includes specialized metal profiles tailored to diverse clinical and occupational needs:

- Heavy metal profile for occupational exposure assessment

- Extended metal panel, encompassing analysis of 39 distinct metals

- 24-hour urine metal profile

- Non-occupational exposure metal profile, focusing on the 6 most commonly encountered metals

- Specialized nail and hair analysis for heavy metals and arsenic detection

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Beyond metal testing, this section of the laboratory also provides sophisticated analysis of renal and gallstones using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with an extensive spectral library. This diagnostic capability is complemented by our kidney stone metabolic excretion profile, creating a comprehensive approach to lithiasis investigation and management.

Welcome to our Maternal Screening section, where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care in supporting expectant mothers through their pregnancy journey. Our comprehensive first trimester screening program offers early screening for chromosomal abnormalities including trisomy 21, 13, and 18, complemented by specialized pre-eclampsia risk assessment to enable timely preventive interventions.

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As pregnancy progresses, our second trimester screening services provide crucial evaluations for neural tube defects and continued monitoring for trisomy 21 and 18. These screenings deliver valuable clinical insights that inform antenatal management decisions and help determine if additional testing modalities such as Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) would be beneficial.

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Our department distinguishes itself through exceptionally short turnaround times while maintaining unwavering accuracy through multiple rigorous quality control measures. We understand that timely results are critical in prenatal care decision-making, and we are committed to providing reliable information when it matters most.

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We are proud to announce the recent expansion of our maternal screening repertoire to include the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) marker, enhancing our ability to screen for pre-eclampsia beyond the first trimester and supporting comprehensive pregnancy planning. This addition reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing maternal care through innovation and clinical excellence.

Our comprehensive porphyria diagnostic service offers expert evaluation for this group of rare metabolic disorders characterized by enzyme deficiencies in the haem biosynthetic pathway.

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A random urine sample, meticulously protected from light exposure, serves as the cornerstone specimen for porphyria testing.

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The diagnostic yield is significantly enhanced when specimens are collected during an acute porphyric attack or when the patient is actively experiencing symptoms.

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For optimal diagnostic accuracy, we recommend a comprehensive approach that includes synchronized collection of urine, stool, and blood samples submitted together as a complete porphyria study.

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Diagnostic precision is further improved when the requesting clinician provides a concise description of the patient's clinical presentation and symptoms, allowing our specialists to correlate biochemical findings with clinical manifestations.

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For patients with a family history of porphyria variegata, we collaborate closely with our genetics department to offer testing for the specific genetic mutations associated with these conditions.