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On the left is the list of 15 'topics' which I consider the essential areas of Clinical Biochemistry and ones which newly qualified doctors will encounter on a daily basis. So, this is not just stuff that is of interest to passing exams! It is likely that you will order these tests many times each day and hence it makes sense that you start to get some kind of idea as to why the tests are done and what they mean.
In this list the first four form what is commonly known as 'U+E' (short for urea and electrolytes - but includes creatinine!). Derangements in glucose (one of our basic fuels) is common and a frequent presentation in an emergency situation, so well worthwhile getting to grips with it. 'LFT' (short for liver function tests - but in fact not really testing its function!) is another very commonly requested test which is made up of a number of individual tests. If you can get proficient with U+E, glucose and LFT then well done!
What I have attempted to do for each topic is to explain some of the basics and then put it all together in the form of a flowchart. The flowcharts seem to be the easiest way to remember what to do. Print these off, download them, add to them, I don't mind, as long as you get to grips with them!
Also look out for the key points marked
You won't really get a decent understanding of Clinical Biochemistry unless you spend time on the wards looking at results and seeing how these are dealt with by the medical staff. The results should be interpreted in the light of the clinical scenario. Ask yourself "What would I do with these results?" Do this again and again and again.
Please note, this stuff is not meant to be a textbook. So, it doesn't contain everything! By all means do have a look at the textbooks as well.
There is a 'Resources' link which will take you to what I hope are some useful links and articles as well as all the flowcharts.
In this list the first four form what is commonly known as 'U+E' (short for urea and electrolytes - but includes creatinine!). Derangements in glucose (one of our basic fuels) is common and a frequent presentation in an emergency situation, so well worthwhile getting to grips with it. 'LFT' (short for liver function tests - but in fact not really testing its function!) is another very commonly requested test which is made up of a number of individual tests. If you can get proficient with U+E, glucose and LFT then well done!
What I have attempted to do for each topic is to explain some of the basics and then put it all together in the form of a flowchart. The flowcharts seem to be the easiest way to remember what to do. Print these off, download them, add to them, I don't mind, as long as you get to grips with them!
Also look out for the key points marked
You won't really get a decent understanding of Clinical Biochemistry unless you spend time on the wards looking at results and seeing how these are dealt with by the medical staff. The results should be interpreted in the light of the clinical scenario. Ask yourself "What would I do with these results?" Do this again and again and again.
Please note, this stuff is not meant to be a textbook. So, it doesn't contain everything! By all means do have a look at the textbooks as well.
There is a 'Resources' link which will take you to what I hope are some useful links and articles as well as all the flowcharts.
Common biochemical problems
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Clinical Biochemistry for Medical Students
“I’d say you’re suffering from an arrow through your head, but if you want, I’ll order a bunch of tests”
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