Biochemistry

Biochemistry is one of the fundamental medical sciences that studies chemical processes, molecular structures, and metabolic reactions within the human body. Clinical biochemistry has become an indispensable part of modern medicine by utilizing this body of knowledge for the diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation of treatment processes for diseases. The Koru Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory provides our patients with the most accurate and reliable results through its advanced technology devices and experienced expert staff.

What is Biochemistry and What Does It Do?

Medical biochemistry is a branch of medicine concerned with the measurement and interpretation of biochemical substances found in blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. Through these measurements, organ functions are evaluated, diseases are detected at an early stage, and treatment processes are monitored. Biochemistry specialists manage quality control processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory tests, develop new testing methods, and provide consultancy services to clinicians.

In modern medicine, a significant portion of accurate diagnosis relies on laboratory results. Biochemical tests are among the most important tools supporting physicians' clinical evaluations. The data provided by the biochemistry laboratory is of critical importance for finding the underlying cause of a patient's complaints, monitoring the course of a chronic disease, or evaluating the response to treatment.

Basic Tests Performed in the Biochemistry Laboratory

A wide range of tests is performed at the Koru Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory. These tests provide detailed information about the functioning of different organs and systems in the body.

Routine Biochemistry Tests

• Fasting blood glucose: The fundamental test used in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes. Results above normal values may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
• HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin): This test, which shows the average blood sugar level over the last three months, is accepted as the gold standard in diabetes management.
• Urea and creatinine: Basic parameters used in the evaluation of kidney functions. High values may be a harbinger of kidney failure.
• Liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin): Play a critical role in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver diseases.
• Lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL): Important parameters used in cardiovascular risk assessment.
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium): Used in the evaluation of body fluid balance and muscle-nerve functions.
• Thyroid function tests (TSH, sT3, sT4): These tests, which show the functioning of the thyroid gland, are essential examinations in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Special Biochemistry Tests

• Tumor markers (PSA, CEA, CA 125, CA 19-9, AFP): Biochemical indicators used in cancer screening and monitoring.
• Hormone tests: Comprehensive hormone panels used in the evaluation of the endocrine system are applied.
• Vitamin and mineral levels (Vitamin D, B12, iron, ferritin, folic acid): Important tests in the detection of deficiency states.
• Cardiac markers (troponin, CK-MB, BNP): Life-saving tests in the diagnosis of heart attack and heart failure.
• Inflammation markers (CRP, sedimentation, procalcitonin): Used in the evaluation of infection and inflammatory processes.
• Urinalysis and biochemistry: An important test in screening for kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, and metabolic disorders.

The Role of Biochemistry in Diagnosis and Treatment

Clinical biochemistry plays a decisive role in the early diagnosis of many diseases. For example, an increase in blood sugar levels before any symptoms appear in a patient may indicate a prediabetic period. Similarly, slight elevations in liver enzymes can be an early sign of liver damage before any significant complaints arise.

During the treatment process, biochemical tests are repeated regularly to monitor the efficacy and potential side effects of the medications used. In this process, called therapeutic drug monitoring, dose adjustments are made by measuring drug levels in the blood, and treatment is optimized. This monitoring is vital, especially when using drugs that affect kidney and liver functions.

In Which Situations Are Biochemistry Tests Requested?

Biochemistry tests are frequently requested in almost every field of medicine. Biochemical evaluation may be required in the following situations:

• General health screening and check-up: Biochemistry tests are requested as standard during regular check-ups in certain age groups.
• Chronic disease monitoring: Regular tests are performed to monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, and liver disease.
• Preoperative evaluation: In patients scheduled for surgery, it is necessary to evaluate organ functions and coagulation status.
• Complaints of fatigue, tiredness, and weakness: The underlying cause of these general symptoms can be clarified with biochemical tests.
• Medication monitoring: Periodic tests are performed to monitor the effects of medications on organs.
• Emergency situations: In emergencies such as suspected heart attack, poisoning, or acute kidney failure, rapid biochemical analysis is life-saving.

Preparation for Biochemistry Tests

To obtain accurate and reliable results, it is of great importance to follow the preparation rules before the test. For tests requiring fasting, it is generally recommended not to consume food or beverages for 8-12 hours. Drinking water is usually permitted, but sugary and caffeinated beverages should be avoided. Some tests may require the temporary discontinuation of certain medications; it is strongly recommended that you consult your physician on this matter.

It should be remembered that stress and physical activity during blood collection can affect some parameters. Therefore, it is important to be rested before the test and to arrive at the laboratory in a calm state. Additionally, informing the laboratory team about all the medications and supplements you use is critical for the accurate interpretation of the results.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation

The Koru Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory operates within the framework of a quality management system. The accuracy and reproducibility of test results are continuously monitored through internal quality control programs and external quality assessment schemes. All devices used in our laboratory are regularly calibrated, and their maintenance is performed without delay.

Thanks to strict quality control procedures applied at every stage of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes, our primary goal is to deliver the most reliable results to our patients in the shortest possible time. By using automation systems and barcode technology, the risk of sample mix-ups is minimized, and result reliability is kept at the highest level.

Modern Biochemistry Technologies

Technological developments in the field of medical biochemistry continue unabated. Advanced analytical methods such as mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and immunoassay allow for more sensitive and specific measurements. Thanks to these technologies, even substances at low concentrations that could not be detected in the past have become measurable.

Furthermore, rapid test systems known as point-of-care testing (POCT) contribute significantly to accelerating treatment decisions by providing results within minutes, especially in emergency departments and intensive care units. Koru Hospital provides its patients with contemporary laboratory services by incorporating these modern technologies.

The Importance of Biochemistry in Preventive Medicine

In today's world, where the concept of preventive medicine is gaining increasing importance, biochemical screening tests play a key role in preventing diseases before they even emerge. Regular blood tests make it possible to detect metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer at an early stage.

Biochemistry tests performed as part of an annual check-up, especially for individuals over 40, are of great importance for maintaining health and identifying potential risks in advance. It is recommended that individuals with a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer undergo regular screenings from an earlier age.

Interpretation of Biochemistry Results

The accurate interpretation of biochemistry test results is an important process that requires clinical experience and knowledge. Reference ranges may vary depending on age, gender, and the analytical method used. Therefore, results must be evaluated by an expert physician and interpreted in conjunction with the patient's clinical picture. A single laboratory value outside the normal range does not always mean a disease; similarly, a value within normal limits does not necessarily indicate that one is healthy in every case.

Serial monitoring of biochemical markers—that is, repeating the same test at certain intervals to observe the trend of change—provides much more valuable information compared to one-time measurements. For example, a gradual increase in kidney function tests can be an early sign of chronic kidney disease, even if the values are still within the reference range. The ability to capture such subtle details once again highlights the importance of biochemistry expertise.

Emergency Biochemistry Services

In emergency medical situations, rapid and accurate laboratory results are life-saving. The Koru Hospital emergency biochemistry laboratory supports the treatment decisions of emergency department physicians by providing results for emergency tests such as troponin, blood gas, lactate, ammonia, and toxicological analyses within minutes. The rapid measurement of troponin levels in suspected myocardial infarction, real-time monitoring of blood gas and electrolytes in diabetic ketoacidosis, and the prompt reporting of creatinine and potassium values in acute kidney failure clearly demonstrate the vital importance of this service.

Why Koru Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory?

• Expert staff: Services are provided by experienced biochemistry specialists and trained laboratory personnel.
• Advanced technology: High accuracy and speed are ensured by using state-of-the-art fully automated analyzers.
• Wide test menu: A comprehensive range of tests is offered, from routine tests to special analyses.
• Fast results: Thanks to automation and efficient workflow, results are delivered in the shortest possible time.
• Quality assurance: Result reliability is guaranteed through participation in national and international quality control programs.
• 24/7 emergency service: Uninterrupted laboratory service is provided in emergency situations.

In the Biochemistry department of Koru Hospital, our expert physicians offer reliable diagnostic services to our patients with the most up-to-date laboratory technologies and meticulous quality control processes. Our biochemistry laboratory is by your side with its experienced staff for all your laboratory needs regarding your health.