Virtual biochemistry laboratory
Practise the full NHS biochemistry workflow on a 48-workstation virtual bench, from routine clinical chemistry to cardiac markers, endocrinology, mass spectrometry and POCT.
Virtual Biochemistry Laboratory is available to premium subscribers and trial users.
Advanced biochemistry results management
LIMS-style interface for validating and authorising biochemistry results with cross-references to other departments and integrated clinical decision support.
Biochemistry Results Management System is available to premium subscribers and trial users.
Clinical support systems
AI-powered clinical decision support for biochemistry result interpretation, validation, and diagnostic assistance.
Clinical Support Systems is available to premium subscribers and trial users.
Glucose & HbA1c analysis
HPLC visualisation of glycated haemoglobin and laboratory analysis of glucose for NHS diabetes diagnosis and monitoring.
HbA1c & Glucose Analysis
HPLC visualisation of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and laboratory analysis of blood glucose
Peak Interpretation
- HbA0: Unglycated adult haemoglobin (main peak)
- HbA1c: Glycated haemoglobin used for diabetes monitoring
- HbF: Fetal haemoglobin
- HbA2: Minor adult haemoglobin component
Paraprotein analysis
Laboratory investigation and interpretation of monoclonal gammopathies in NHS clinical practice, including serum electrophoresis and immunofixation.
Paraprotein Analysis
Laboratory investigation and interpretation of monoclonal gammopathies
Serum Protein Electrophoresis Patterns
Normal Pattern:Well-defined peaks for each protein fraction with proportions within reference ranges. Albumin is the largest fraction, followed by a balanced distribution across the globulin fractions.
Protein Fractions:
Immunofixation Electrophoresis Patterns
| Pattern | Description | Frequency | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IgG Kappa | Band in IgG and Kappa lanes | Most common (~60%) | Associated with all stages from MGUS to MM |
| IgA Lambda | Band in IgA and Lambda lanes | ~15% | May have more aggressive clinical course |
| Light Chain Only | Band in Kappa or Lambda lane only | ~15-20% | Higher risk of renal complications |
| Biclonal | Two distinct monoclonal bands | ~5% | Two separate clones or a single clone with multiple heavy chains |
| Non-secretory | No detectable monoclonal protein | ~2-3% | Diagnosis requires bone marrow biopsy and imaging |
Drug abuse analysis
Laboratory approaches to drug testing, detection windows, and result interpretation for clinical and forensic applications.
Drug Abuse Analysis
Laboratory approaches to drug testing, detection windows, and result interpretation
Immunoassay
Principle
Antibody-based detection of drug antigens
Common Types
EMIT, ELISA, CEDIA, FPIA
Advantages
Rapid, cost-effective, automation-friendly, high throughput
Limitations
Cross-reactivity, variable cutoff thresholds, false positives/negatives
Primary Applications
Initial screening, point-of-care testing
Laboratory Workflow
- Specimen collection with proper chain of custody
- Initial screening with immunoassay
- Presumptive positive results flagged
- Confirmatory testing with mass spectrometry
- Medical review of confirmed positive results
- Result reporting with appropriate interpretive comments
Sample Considerations
- Urine: Most common matrix, longer detection window, non-invasive
- Blood: Reflects current impairment, shorter detection window
- Oral Fluid: Easy collection, reflects recent use, less adulteration
- Hair: Long detection window (months), segmental analysis possible
- Sweat: Continuous monitoring via patches, specialised applications
Biochemistry data visualisation
Interactive charts and graphs showcasing key biochemical parameters and their clinical significance across NHS reference ranges.
Lipid Profile Assessment
Comparison of normal, borderline, and high lipid values with reference targets
Key Points:
- High HDL cholesterol is beneficial ("good cholesterol") - target >1.2 mmol/L
- Non-HDL cholesterol preferred for monitoring (NICE guidance)
- CVD secondary prevention (NICE NG238): aim for LDL cholesterol of 2.0 mmol/L or less, or non-HDL cholesterol of 2.6 mmol/L or less
Biochemistry quick guide
Essential knowledge areas for biochemistry, from foundational concepts to specialised techniques.
Analytical Techniques
Spectrophotometry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and automated analyser operations.
Clinical Biochemistry
Liver function, renal profile, cardiac markers, lipids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.
Endocrinology
Hormone assays, dynamic function tests, thyroid and reproductive hormones, and diabetes markers.
Specialised Testing
Therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology, trace elements, and metabolic disorders.
Quality Management
Internal quality control, external quality assessment, and accreditation requirements.
Advances in Biochemistry
Point-of-care testing, molecular diagnostics, and personalised medicine applications.
Age-Specific Considerations
Paediatric ALP: 150-520 U/L (3-4x adult), eGFR decline ~1 mL/min/year after age 40, pregnancy: lower creatinine/urea.
Critical Values & Alerts
RCPath G158 v2 (May 2026) adult phoned limits: Potassium ≤2.5 or ≥6.5 mmol/L; Sodium ≤120 or ≥160 mmol/L; Calcium (albumin-adjusted) ≤1.5 or ≥3.5 mmol/L; Glucose ≤2.5 or ≥25 mmol/L; Creatinine ≥354 µmol/L. Communication type A is within 2 hours, usually by telephone, with read-back. Troponin is not on this list: its cut-off is the assay’s own sex-specific 99th percentile. Critical (phoned) limits follow RCPath G158 v2 (May 2026), adapted locally by each trust, so the exact figures can differ between laboratories. The values taught here are the G158 adult limits; in post, read your own laboratory handbook and use its list. Troponin and paracetamol have no single G158 number: both are set by local protocol.
Sources and guidance
This hub's content aligns with the UK's professional and regulatory references for the specialty: