At the NPİSTANBUL Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory, tests requested by clinicians are performed with the utmost care, using internationally recognized methods and within acceptable error limits. In line with this philosophy, our laboratory services—aimed at diagnosis, monitoring, risk assessment, and prognosis—are delivered through a team-based, patient-centered approach.
OUR QUALITY CONTROL POLICY
In the field of clinical laboratory science, internal and external quality control measures are absolutely essential for obtaining accurate and reliable results. In our laboratory, internal quality control is performed daily for every parameter to test the reproducibility and reliability of the results provided. In addition, to objectively evaluate the accuracy of our test results, we maintain our membership in the CAP (College of American Pathologists) and RIQAS external quality control programs, which are among the world’s most widely participated-in programs. Through these external quality control programs, our test results are compared with those of numerous laboratories worldwide on a monthly basis.
Furthermore, our institution is periodically audited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System—both recognized as authoritative, independent accreditation bodies—and our accreditation efforts in this regard are carried out continuously.
OUR TEST PANELS
In our Biochemistry Laboratory, numerous routine and specific tests are performed using specialized kits and automated analyzers.
The test groups performed in our laboratory are as follows:
- Biochemistry and Electrolytes
- Hormones - Serology
- Tumor Markers
- Neuroinflammatory Panel
- Hematology
- Coagulation
- Urine and Stool Analyses
- Toxicology Analyses
- Drug Levels
BIOCHEMISTRY - ELECTROLYTES
- Fasting blood glucose
- Postprandial blood glucose
- Glucose tolerance tests
- ALT
- GGT
- LDH
- Total cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Cholinesterase
- Creatine kinase (CK)
- CK-MB
- Uric acid
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- CRP (C-reactive protein)
- Hs-CRP
- ASO
- RF (Rheumatoid Factor)
- Total Protein
- Albumin
- Hemoglobin A1c
- Iron
- Iron-Binding Capacity
- Total Bilirubin
- Direct Bilirubin
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Lithium
HORMONES - SEROLOGY
- TSH
- Free T4
- Free T3
- Prolactin
- HCG
- Insulin
- HOMA-IR
- Cortisol
- ACTH
- Troponin I
- HBsAg
- Anti-HBs
- Anti-HIV
- Anti-HCV
- Parathyroid
Hormone
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
- Ferritin
- BNP
- Procalcitonin
- Homocysteine
- Estradiol
- FSH
- LH
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
TUMOR MARKERS
- AFP
- CA 125
- CA 15-3
- CA 19-9
- CEA
- Total PSA
- Free PSA
- AFP
NEUROINFLAMMATORY PANEL
- Anti-NMDA Antibody
- Anti-AMPA Antibody
- ENA Profile
- Anti-Nuclear Antibody
HEMATOLOGY
- Complete blood count
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
COAGULATION
- PT
- APTT
- Fibrinogen
- D-dimer
URINE AND STOOL ANALYSES
- Routine urinalysis
- 24-hour urine analysis (creatinine clearance, total protein)
- Stool microscopy
- Stool parasite examination
- Fecal occult blood test
TOXICOLOGY TESTS
- Emergency toxicology test
DRUG LEVELS
- TDM (therapeutic drug monitoring)
PHARMACOGENETIC DRUG PANEL GENETIC TEST
In the treatment of psychiatric disorders, pharmacogenetic tests are very useful both in selecting the appropriate treatment for the patient and in minimizing side effects. Pharmacogenetic tests allow us to optimize—that is, personalize—treatment for each patient based on genetic information. Once a patient has been diagnosed, pharmacogenetic testing makes it possible to initiate the most ideal treatment based on scientific evidence rather than trial and error. With personalized, individualized treatment approaches, it is possible to provide patients with the most effective treatments at the most appropriate doses and with the fewest side effects.
Genetic differences among individuals have a significant impact on the enzymes responsible for metabolizing and eliminating drugs from the body. The most important enzymes that metabolize drugs used particularly in psychiatry, cardiology, and pain management are the cytochrome P450 enzymes. Cytochrome enzymes are found in the liver.
The pharmacogenetic drug panel test identifies variations in the genes that regulate cytochrome enzymes, thereby establishing a genetic profile. As a result of this test, individuals are issued a Pharmacogenetic Profile ID Card—a first in Turkey.
LICENSED AMATEM LABORATORY
Our Biochemistry Laboratory is also licensed as an AMATEM laboratory. Toxicology tests are performed on urine samples from patients with substance use disorders and various at-risk groups to determine whether the individual has used substances with addictive potential. Prior to all these tests, samples are collected under supervision, and the entire process is documented.
We exercise the utmost care during sample collection in our laboratory, using vacuum-sealed and sterile tubes for blood sampling. Sample acceptance and rejection criteria are clearly defined, and samples are prepared for analysis in accordance with these procedures. In addition, identity verification is performed using the individual’s name and photograph. We collaborate with physicians, taking into account endogenous and exogenous factors that can influence test results. Results are provided within reference ranges established according to age and gender.
THE ROLE OF THE LABORATORY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF METABOLIC SYNDROME
Metabolic syndrome is a significant health issue that can be caused, in particular, by long-term use of antipsychotic medications. For this reason, our hospital’s biochemistry laboratory performs tests—including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and oral glucose tolerance tests—which play a key role in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, and blood lipid levels—all of which play a significant role in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. These tests enable us to diagnose and monitor our patients for metabolic syndrome.
ANALYTICAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
As the Biochemistry Laboratory, our goal is to:
- Ordering
the correct test;
- Collecting
the correct sample;
- Performing
the correct test;
- Delivering the correct result to the physician and the patient.
In line with this objective, all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical factors that could affect the analytical performance and accuracy of the tests are meticulously examined and analyzed, and the resulting findings are approved by our specialist biochemistry physician. Samples for which testing has been completed and results have been approved are stored under appropriate conditions for an extended period, ensuring the physician has the option to request additional tests or compare results with new samples.
Information regarding the tests performed—particularly how to collect samples, procedures for collecting special specimens such as urine and body fluids, their storage, and transportation to the laboratory—as well as the necessary materials, are provided by the laboratory.
As the Biochemistry Laboratory at NPİSTANBUL Hospital, our goal is to expand our test panel in light of technological and scientific advancements and to enhance the quality of our services through our trained and qualified staff.
