Our biochemical unit operates on automation systems that allow multiple tests to be carried out from a single tube. Known methods such as tandem-MS/MS, HPLC, atomic absorption spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis are also used.

In addition to routine biochemical and hormone tests, electrophoretic assays, specialized metabolic tests, monitoring of a wide range of therapeutic drugs and toxicology panels are also carried out.

In addition to routine tests that include lipid profiles, liver and kidney function tests, our biochemical laboratory also measures specific proteins, vitamins, trace elements and metabolites. This further includes test panels that cover approximately 50 different hormone and tumor indicators. Also available are fertility panels and double, triple and quadruple screening tests and risk analyses that are conducted during the 1st and 2nd trimesters. Macroprolactin tests and specialized testing to measure active vitamin B12, chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and CYFRA-21.1 are also being conducted.

Our hematology-coagulation laboratory provides tests on prothrombin time (PTZ), INR, active partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, D-dimer, lupus anticoagulant (LA) screening and confirmation, testing for vWF antigens, ristocetin cofactors, cryoglobulin, factor levels (II, V, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII) and inhibitors, factor XIII, protein C, protein S, active protein C resistance (APC), antithrombin III activity, thrombocyte function tests, in vitro bleeding time, and in vitro drug sensitivity testing for anti-platelet drugs (acetyl salicylic acid, clopidogrel).

Hereditary metabolic illnesses are more widespread in our country due to the high frequency of consanguineous marriages in relation to other countries. Screening and testing for lysosomal storage disorders (sphingolipidoses, mucopolysaccharidoses), a comprehensive panel of hereditary metabolic diseases, are currently available at our Metabolic Laboratory. In addition to diagnostic tests, a Guthrie test involving a few drops of blood on dry paper can be carried out with the aid of the most recent Tandem-MS/MS technique to test for lysosomal storage disorders. Prenatal diagnostic tests for sphingolipidoses are also available at our laboratory. Tests for glycogen storage disorders, congenital glycosilation disorders and Gaucher disease are some of the other tests we can provide. Where other hereditary metabolic illnesses are concerned, our laboratory is also able to check for BOS biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, porphyrins, adenosine deaminase, provide quantitative amino acid analyses and other basic metabolic screening tests. Assays for respiratory chain complex (Complex I, Complex II-III, Complex IV and citrate synthase) activity can be carried out on biopsied muscle tissue in order to check for mitochondrial diseases, which are characterized by low energy and muscle atrophy. For a metabolic tests request form and a list of available tests, please click here.

Our biochemical laboratories can provide protein electrophoresis and immuno-typing on serum and urine samples. The isoelectric focusing electrophoresis method is used to evaluate intrathecal oligoclonal band synthesis. Additionally, ALP isoenzyme electrophoresis is used to check for high serum alkaline phosphatase levels.

The Bacteriology unit of our laboratory is able to carry out microscopic analyses, bacteriological culture analyses and antibiotic sensitivity tests on submitted samples. Pathogens isolated from various clinical samples (sputum, urine, stool, blood, etc.) can be identified using the latest MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) method, in addition to other conventional methods. The isolated pathogens are made to undergo a series of antimicrobial sensitivity tests that are in compliance with international standards. To this end, conventional methods such as disk diffusion assays and E-tests are utilized, while antimicrobial sensitivity is determined at the minimum inhibitor concentration level (MIK) using automated bacterial identification systems. Blood, bone marrow and catheter cultures are tested using automated culture systems and are further subjected to the above identification tests and antibiotic sensitivity screenings in the event that pathogens are detected.

The Serology unit of our laboratory is involved in researching microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) that play a role in infections or antibodies developed against the body’s indigenous proteins (auto-immune diseases) or the presence of specific microorganism antigens. A wide range of tests are carried out in our laboratory to diagnose infectious diseases; primarily hepatitis, HIV (AIDS) and also rheumatic illnesses. The relevant antigens and antibodies are sought by testing clinical samples taken from patients such as blood, urine, brain and spinal fluid using the latest technologies and are reported in accordance with international diagnostic standards.

Our Mycology unit carries out tests aimed at a laboratory diagnosis of fungal infections and determining the sensitivity of fungal isolates towards antifungal drugs. To this end, direct microscopic imaging, the gold standard for diagnosing such illnesses, and culture methods are used, with fungi produced from such samples being identified in terms of type through the use of conventional methods. Antifungal sensitivity tests, which are instrumental in determining the types of drugs that will be used during treatment, are conducted using recommended known methods that have been developed by international committees. In addition, our Mycology unit employs the Cryptococcus capsule antigen test to support direct microscopic imaging and culturing in order to test for infections that develop as a result of this fungus.

Our Parasitology unit conducts tests aimed at the laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections. To this end, direct microscopic imaging and permanent staining are used to test for protozoa and helminthes. Culture methods are also used to test for various protozoa. Stool samples arriving at the laboratory are microscopically examined using semi-automated systems and a diagnosis on a type basis can be made with the aid of stains such as trichrome and MAF. Diagnoses can also be made in relation to samples such as blood, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and cyst fluid with the aid of florescent microscopy.

Our Molecular Microbiology unit conducts tests that allow us to identify disease-inducing microorganisms in clinical samples at the DNA and RNA level. This involves the use of PCR, real-time PCR, strip hybridization and DNA strain analysis using the latest, most secure methods once the nucleic acid is isolated via automated systems. In addition to their diagnostic use, these methods are also useful in monitoring the progress of treatments. Important microorganisms, particularly HBV, HCV, HIV and CMV, can be quantitatively tested for in clinical samples, and the reduction or increase in virus growth can help clinicians in determining whether the treatment being applied is effective. Over thirty microorganisms in differing clinical samples can be tested for at our Molecular Microbiology unit.

Our Emergency laboratory services the adult emergency, pediatric emergency and inpatient and intensive care units 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The test panel includes biochemical tests, full blood count, sedimentation, procalcitonin, coagulation tests, blood gas analysis, drug levels, cardiac indicators, BNP, an anemia panel and hormonal tests. Chemical and microscopic analyses of urine samples are also carried out with cell cultures made available at the microbiology unit.