Core Clinical Pathology and Biochemistry

The Department of Core Clinical Pathology and Biochemistry (CCPB) is one of the PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA laboratories based at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH).

The Department manages the Core Laboratory (automated biochemistry and haematology testing), the Special Chemistry Laboratory, and incorporates the Division's Central Specimen Reception Area and Phlebotomy Service.

A comprehensive Clinical Biochemistry laboratory is available for an extensive range of tests 24 hours a day. The Department receives specimens for testing from RPH and is also a tertiary referral laboratory for other hospitals, laboratories and clinics.

The Department provides medical and scientific expertise through specialised laboratories staffed by a skilled team of professionals including:

• clinicians;
• medical scientists;
• laboratory technicians;
• technical assistants;
• laboratory assistants;
• phlebotomists; and
• clerical staff.

The team produces a high standard of service for clinicians and patients. Diagnostic laboratories are equipped with the latest in laboratory instrumentation and services provided include interpretive comments on reports where appropriate. Comprehensive consultative services from the Department’s clinical staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition to the large range of assays offered, a range of endocrine/metabolic dynamic function tests are also performed on a day ward and are carried out by the Department medical staff.

The Department is home to the RPH Phlebotomy Service providing in-patient and outpatient phlebotomy in three convenient locations, as well as a domiciliary service to assist in early patient discharge.

Areas of special expertise within the Department include:

• Calcium and bone metabolism;
• Cardiovascular genetics;
• Dynamic function tests;
• Biochemical investigation of endocrine disorders;
• Lipid and lipoprotein metabolism;
• Stone analysis; and
• Vitamin metabolism.

The Department (in collaboration with the Laboratory Management Unit) also process and assess samples from numerous clinical trials conducted within the hospital and through other organisations such as the UWA School of Medicine and Pharmacology, RPH Unit.

The Department undertakes a range of research activities within the areas of special expertise both independently and in collaboration with external researchers.

For years the Department has been training local and overseas Chemical Pathologists. There is normally a Medical Registrar in the Department training in Chemical Pathology. Overseas Medical Scientists from countries such as New Zealand and Norway have also spent time in the Department as part of their pre- and post-graduate training.

Many senior staff members have active roles within professional bodies such as Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists, the Australian Atherosclerosis Society and the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.

Senior staff also hold University appointments and also act as Supervisors for Honours, Masters and PhD students. The Department has an active policy of strongly promoting staff participation in Continuing Professional Development including attendance at conferences, tutorials, workshops, training courses and other activities.