Biochemistry

 About Department

The Clinical Biochemistry Department operates as a unified service under North Midlands and Cheshire Pathology Services (NMCPS), providing comprehensive biochemical diagnostic support across Royal Stoke University Hospital, County Hospital Stafford, Leighton Hospital Crewe, and Macclesfield District General Hospital.

The department specialises in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and other bodily fluids to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of a broad spectrum of clinical conditions. Utilising advanced automated analysers alongside targeted manual methodologies, the department processes over 9,000 samples daily across NMCPS.

Our portfolio includes routine biochemistry, therapeutic drug monitoring, endocrine assays, toxicology, and specialist investigations. We also facilitate sample referral to external reference laboratories for highly specialised assays. The department ensures timely and clinically relevant reporting, supported by expert interpretation and liaison with clinical teams to optimise patient management across the NMCPS network.

Our services

The Clinical Biochemistry Department at NMCPS delivers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services across multiple sites. Our core services include:

•    Specimen Reception

•    Automated Chemistry

•    Manual Chemistry

•    Specialist Chemistry: Mass Spec & Protein

•    Genetics

•    Toxicology Investigations

•    Clinical Trials
•    Paediatric Biochemistry

Contact Details and Availability

Royal Stoke Hospital Biochemistry Department:Contact Number – 01782 674875
Opening times - 24 hours

County Hospital Biochemistry Department:Contact Number – 01782 674236
Opening times – 6am – 12pm

Macclesfield Hospital Biochemistry Department:Contact Number – 01625 661828
Opening times – 24 hours

Leighton Hospital Biochemistry Department:

Contact Number – 01270 273837 (bleep required after 5pm via Leighton switchboard)
Opening times – 24 hours

Clinical Team & Advisory Service

The clinical biochemistry team work with all areas of healthcare to ensure the delivery and a safe and effective biochemistry service. Our main role involves participation in the duty biochemist rota, where we provide clinical interpretation of results and act as a point of contact for the laboratory. Further responsibilities include supporting quality assurance, service development and teaching & training at both a local and national level.

Duty Biochemist UHNM contact number: 01782 674265

Duty Biochemist Leighton & Macclesfield contact number: 01270 278349

The clinical team regularly revise and update critical telephone limits, add on request intervals and minimum request intervals. To obtain the most up-to-date information, please follow the links below.

Critical Telephone Limits

Minimum Request Intervals: 

Add-On Request Intervals: Please refer to specific test page.