Central Laboratory

What is a Central Laboratory?

A central laboratory is a comprehensive unit composed of multiple departments that require expertise in various medical disciplines. Within these laboratories, biochemistry specialists work in the biochemistry section, microbiology experts in the microbiology department, and pathology specialists and technicians in the pathology department. In our healthcare institutions, central laboratories operate using advanced medical technology and high-quality consumables. Both qualified personnel and state-of-the-art equipment play a vital role in ensuring accurate diagnostic results.

The tests performed in central laboratories vary depending on the type of sample, such as blood, urine, stool, or swab specimens. Properly collected samples are sent to the relevant department for analysis according to the required test type. These samples are then examined using appropriate laboratory techniques to determine whether their values fall within normal reference ranges. Each testing device and reagent kit has its own specific reference intervals. After evaluation by laboratory specialists, the validated results are reported back to the requesting clinical unit.

Tests performed by experts in central laboratories achieve near-perfect accuracy rates. Continuous professional training and precise instrument calibration significantly enhance the reliability of laboratory results. The findings provided by these laboratories are indispensable for physicians to establish accurate diagnoses and plan appropriate treatments. Accurate diagnosis leads to accurate therapy, and effective treatment ensures better disease management and patient outcomes.

Which Tests Are Performed in Central Laboratories?

Central laboratories perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, including biochemical, hormonal, metabolic, and toxicological analyses. The main categories include:

• Glucose: Measures and monitors blood sugar levels.

• Uric Acid: Assesses protein metabolism and uric acid accumulation in the blood.

• Bilirubin: Evaluates liver and gallbladder function.

• Creatinine: Monitors kidney function and filtration efficiency.

• OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test): Determines glucose tolerance and blood sugar regulation.

• AST (Aspartate Transaminase): Indicates liver enzyme function.

• ALT (Alanine Transaminase): Evaluates liver, kidney, and muscle function.

• GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): Monitors liver toxicity and bile flow disorders.

• CK / CK-MB (Creatine Kinase / MB Isoenzyme): Assesses cardiac muscle integrity and function.

• Lipase, Total Acid Phosphatase: Evaluates pancreatic function.

• Triglycerides: Measures blood lipid levels.

• Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL: Evaluates cardiovascular and liver health.

• Total Protein and Albumin: Measures protein levels in the blood to assess nutritional and liver status.

• Troponin-I, Myoglobin: Key cardiac biomarkers used in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.

• Osteocalcin: Indicates bone metabolism and turnover.

• Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium: Evaluate electrolyte balance, acid-base equilibrium, and metabolic stability.

• Iron (Fe), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Ferritin: Assess iron storage, anemia, and metabolic disorders.

• Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Evaluate vitamin deficiencies associated with hematological and neurological disorders.

• LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) and Alpha-Amylase: Support liver, pancreatic, and muscle diagnostics.

Hormone Tests

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): Assesses thyroid gland function.

• T3 and T4 (Triiodothyronine and Thyroxine): Evaluated with TSH to diagnose thyroid diseases.

• PRL (Prolactin), PTH (Parathyroid Hormone), FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Measure endocrine and reproductive system function.

• PAPPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A): Monitors pregnancy-related physiological processes.

• Progesterone and Insulin: Used to evaluate reproductive and metabolic health.

• Dual and Triple Pregnancy Tests: Assess fetal development and detect potential chromosomal abnormalities.

Tumor Marker Tests

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): Used in the detection and monitoring of prostate disorders and tumors.

• CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): Indicates malignancies such as colon, rectal, or lung cancers.

• CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CA 125: Used in the diagnosis and monitoring of breast, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Substance Abuse Screening Tests

• Cocaine: Detects the presence of cocaine in urine samples.

• Opiates: Screens for opiate substances in urine.

• Amphetamines: Detects amphetamine use.

• Barbiturates: Identifies barbiturate exposure.

• Cannabis (THC): Detects marijuana use.

• Benzodiazepines: Screens for benzodiazepine presence in urine.

Reliability and Quality in Central Laboratory Testing

Test results may vary according to individual factors such as age, gender, fasting or non-fasting status, nutrition, physical activity, alcohol or tobacco use, stress, medication, or fever. Providing your physician with comprehensive information about your medical history and symptoms ensures accurate evaluation of test results.

Our healthcare facilities operate with cutting-edge laboratory technology and highly trained specialists. The success of early diagnosis and effective treatment of modern diseases depends primarily on accurate analysis and precise laboratory testing. Therefore, the demand for advanced laboratories continues to increase. Reliable laboratory services require not only high-quality devices and reagent kits but also skilled professionals with continuous training. With advanced equipment, proper calibration, and well-trained biochemistry specialists and technicians, test accuracy in central laboratories reaches nearly 100% reliability.