This document provides an overview of the biochemistry lab workflow and the types of samples and tests performed. It discusses: 1) The lab receives different types of samples including whole blood, plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid. Samples are centrifuged and barcoded before being distributed to machines for processing. 2) The main types of samples are blood, serum, and plasma. Blood is drawn and allowed to clot to separate serum. Centrifugation is used to separate plasma from whole blood. 3) The lab performs various tumor marker, biochemistry, thyroid, and specialty tests to aid in cancer screening and diagnosis of conditions. 4) Proper sample labeling, transport, and

1. Biochemistry Lab
Mr. MOHAMED A. ADAM
Medical Lab Technologist
KCCC

2. LABORATORY WORK FLOW

3. Samples
Received with
requests
Centrifugation of
samples
Data are entered
in the LIS to get
barcode
Barcodes are
stick on the tubes
then distributed
to machine
Sample
Processing
Results are
Reported and
Released
Clean your
bench with
fresh
actichlor

4. WHAT WE ARE RECEIVE?
•Specimen
type
• Whole Blood
1. Plasma
2. Serum
• Body Fluid
1. Cerebro-spinal Fluid CSF
 Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a fluid that surrounds the brain
and spinal cord.
 CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the brain and spine from
injury. The fluid is normally clear same as water.

5. WHAT IS BLOOD

6. Phlebotomist draws sample
1.Gentlly invert five times
To mix dot activator with blood
2. Allow blood to clot in a
vertical position
Observe a dense clot
3.Centrifuge for 10 min. at
3000 rpm

7. SEPARATION OF SAMPLES
(SERUM)
PRE-ANALYTICAL
3000 rpm
10 min
Should be
balanced

8. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN SERUM AND PLASMA

9. VACUTAINER BLOOD COLLECTION TUBES
Range Color coding Additive Clinical Use for
Whole blood
EDTA
Hematology test
Special biochemistry (HbA1c)
Immunochemistry (Cyclosporin and Tacrolimus)
Plasma
Lithium Heparin Cardiac Markers
Sodium Fluoride +
Potassium Oxalate Glucose Test (FBS free blood sugar)
Sodium Citrate Coagulation test
Serum
Plain (NA additive)
Clot activator
Serum biochemistry and immunology test
Tumor Markers
Hormones
Vitamin D (should be covered)
Oncology
RFT – LFT – Lipid profileGel + Clot activator

10. SAMPLE TRANSPORT AND
STORAGE
• Transport must be save
Biohazardous material
• 4 HOURS Stable at 15-25 ˚c
Close to avoid evaporation
• Stable at 2-8 ˚c
Dry Ice – Cool packs – refrigerator .. etc
24 hours only (for some biochemistry analyte such as K, )

11. LIST OF TESTS IN OUR LAB
TUMOR MARKERS
Test Diagnosis
CEA (No Spicificity) Colorectal, gastrointestinal,
lung and breast cancers
CA-15.3 Breast Cancer
CA-125 Ovarian Cancer
CA-19.9 Colorectal and Pancreatic
cancer
B2Microglobulin Blood cell cancer
Test Diagnosis
PSA
Total and Free
Prostate Cancer
AFP Liver Cancer
Cyfra 21-1 Lung Cancer
TG Thyroid Cancer
ATG
B-HCG Chorion Cancer
“Pregnant test”

12. LIST OF TESTS IN OUR LAB
BIOCHEMISTRY
Biochemistry Profiles
Oncology (biochemistry _ Full Profile)
Liver Electrolyte
Lipid Amylase
Renal Iron
HbA1c
Cardiac Markers
CK – CKMB - Troponin
Thyroid Function Test (TFT)
TSH – FT4
Other Tests
Vitamin D
PCT
Cyclosporin
Tacrolimus

13. EACH SPECIMEN SHOULD BE LABELED
WITH PATIENT`S INFORMATION
• Full Name
• Age
• Gender
• File number or Civil ID
• Doctor`s Stamp and signature
• Clear and Specific test should be written
• Cashier Stamp (If needed) for Vitamin D , Hormones and TFT
The personal information such (Name, file # or civil
ID) MUST MATCH the same on the request