The goal of the clinical chemistry and toxicology rotation is for the resident to become familiar with current practice in the laboratory to enable them to serve as clinical consultants regarding test interpretation and utilization, aid in the development and validation of laboratory tests, and ensure appropriate laboratory quality.
The rotation is two blocks in duration and consists of didactic sessions with faculty and laboratory personnel, time spent in the chemistry laboratory, and interaction with clinicians regarding unusual or unexpected results by handling beeper calls. Faculty back-up is always available and graduated responsibility is granted based on the resident’s performance. Participation in test validation, proficiency testing, test menu construction, turn-around-time review, and determination of in-house vs. POCT vs. reference lab (send-out) tests are integral parts of the rotation.
Understanding of the principles of the basic methodologies used in the Clinical Chemistry/Toxicology laboratory including:
- Spectrophotometry
- Densitometry
- Turbidimetry
- Nephelometry
- Chemiluminescence
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
- Amperometry
- Potentiometry
- Capillary and gel electophoresis
- HPLC/Tandem mass spectometry is expected