Chemical pathology

Chemical Pathology services at St George’s Hospital are now part of South West London Pathology which is a partnership set up by Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide a single, integrated pathology service across South West London and beyond.

For more information about South West London Pathology visit the website www.swlpath.nhs.uk

Chemical Pathology, also sometimes called Clinical Biochemistry or Chemistry, performs chemical analysis of blood. Although most tests are normally carried out on serum or plasma, tests are also performed on urine and other body fluids. These lab tests can be used to help to diagnose a range of diseases; however, they are especially important in preventing, diagnosing, treating and monitoring heart disease and cancer. The department of Chemical Pathology at St George’s Healthcare has an international reputation for developing and studying tests for heart disease.

The modern, well-equipped laboratory is open for a complete range of tests 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The department has three consultants and 39 scientific staff. As well as a results service, there is an interpretation and advice service for all healthcare professionals, especially for local GPs, clinical nurse specialists and other healthcare professionals in the community. This covers an explanation of tests results and advice on whether further tests or medical assessment may be appropriate.

There is also a clinical service (within the Cardiology department) for the assessment and treatment of lipid disorders (cholesterol and triglycerides) in adults and children, and prevention of first or subsequent heart attack in patients at high risk of, or with known, heart disease.