Biochemistry
In the Clinical Biochemistry Department, we analyse millions of tests a year to meet our goal of generating useful information for the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases.
The Clinical Biochemistry Department is organised into Knowledge Areas which not only ensures more complex tests can be carried out, both now and in the future, but also that physicians from specialist areas can provide more specific expertise in the Core Laboratory.
We coordinate the pre-test, information systems, test quality, primary care and bedside testing areas.
The specialised units in the department’s knowledge areas carry out cutting-edge, multidisciplinary work along different lines, working with other departments and units in the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus
We coordinate the cross-departmental chromatography technology platform, thereby optimising costs, standardising technology and maintaining the levels of tertiary care expected of a highly complex hospital in the study drug concentrations, metabolic disorders and other biomarkers.
Portfolio of services
It is worth highlighting the studies we conduct for drug monitoring, prenatal chromosomal anomaly screening, studies on congenital metabolic defects, metabolic enzymology, lipid metabolism disorders, liver diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and the assisted reproduction laboratory, which apply to both adults and children. We are also members of the neonatal screening programme in Catalonia.
In addition, our quality management system is certified under UNE-EN ISO 9001, and several of our techniques have UNE-EN ISO 15189 accreditation.
The Clinical Biochemistry Area applies chemical and biochemical laboratory methods to the diagnosis, treatment monitoring, follow-up, prevention and research of diseases. It is staffed by clinical laboratory experts with diverse professional backgrounds, from primary care to the high level of specialisation of a tertiary hospital. The challenge facing our project is to maintain the high degree of automation in the core laboratory, so we can develop highly specialised knowledge areas in a leading centre such as Vall d’Hebron.
Research
The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy research group conducts preclinical and clinical research into the diagnosis and therapy of various diseases. Our field of action ranges from the analysis of big data from the department, the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, assessment of existing therapies and the development of new nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategies.
With regard to specific pathologies and indications, the group has broad experience in basic and applied research into cancer (new biomarkers, therapeutic targets and new treatments), metabolic disorders (biomarkers and improvements to enzyme replacement therapy), kidney disease and liver disease.
Resident training
The Clinical Biochemistry residents at Vall d’Hebron are assigned specialised objectives and tasks depending on the phase of their rotation. During their training, they prepare for on-call shifts in the Emergency Laboratory, where they have to handle a variety of tests and demanding response times. They also acquire competencies in technical aspects, sample handling, team leadership and laboratory management. In the initial rotations, they work in the central Core Laboratory which has high levels of automation to cover the healthcare demand. As they progress, they enter into more specialised areas, broadening their pathophysiological knowledge and developing complex analytical techniques. They also come into contact with other areas, such as red blood cell disorders, haematology, immunology and genetics. Finally, they are encouraged to take part in research and continuous training, with opportunities to attend conferences and courses and go on training periods at other centres.
