Biochemistry Laboratories

Our biochemistry unit works with automation systems in which many tests can be performed simultaneously from a single tube. In addition, reference methods such as tandem-MS/MS, HPLC, atomic absorption spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis are used.

In addition to routine biochemistry and hormone tests, electrophoretic analyses, specialized metabolism tests, extensive therapeutic drug level monitoring and a toxicology panel are performed.

In our biochemistry laboratories, in addition to routine tests such as lipid profile and liver and kidney function tests, measurements of specific proteins, vitamins, trace elements and metabolites are performed. There are also test panels covering approximately 50 different hormones and tumor markers. With the fertility panel, double, triple and quadruple screening tests performed in the 1st and 2nd trimesters are carried out and risk analysis is performed. Specialized tests such as macroprolactin evaluation, active vitamin B12, chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and CYFRA-21.1 measurement are performed.

In our hematology-coagulation laboratory, the following tests are performed: prothrombin time (PT), INR, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, D-dimer, lupus anticoagulant (LA) screening and confirmation, vWF antigen, ristocetin cofactor, cryoglobulin, factor levels (II, V, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII) and inhibitors, factor XIII, protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance (APC), antithrombin III activity, platelet function tests, in vitro bleeding time, and in vitro drug sensitivity tests for anti-platelet medications (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel).

Because of consanguineous marriages in our society, hereditary metabolic diseases are seen more frequently than in other societies. Screening and diagnostic tests for lysosomal storage diseases (sphingolipidoses and mucopolysaccharidoses), a broad panel of hereditary metabolic diseases, are performed in our Metabolism Laboratory. In addition to diagnostic tests, screening for lysosomal storage diseases can be performed using the state-of-the-art Tandem-MS/MS technique with a few drops of blood taken onto dried blood spot paper (Guthrie). Prenatal diagnostic tests for sphingolipidoses are also performed in our laboratory. Diagnostic tests for glycogen storage diseases, congenital disorders of glycosylation and Gaucher disease are performed. CSF biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, porphyrins, adenosine deaminase, quantitative amino acid analysis and other basic metabolic screening tests, which are important for other hereditary metabolic diseases, are performed in our laboratory. For the diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases characterized by energy deficiency and muscle weakness, respiratory chain complex (Complex I, Complex II-III, Complex IV and citrate synthase) activities are determined in muscle biopsy samples. Click for the metabolism tests request form and test list. (MetabolismTestForm link)

In our biochemistry laboratories, protein electrophoresis and immunotyping are performed on serum and urine samples. The isoelectric focusing electrophoresis method is used to evaluate intrathecal oligoclonal band synthesis. ALP isoenzyme electrophoresis is performed to investigate high serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (ALP electrophoresis information form link).