Clinical Biochemistry provides a UKAS-accredited laboratory service for patients across University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB). We analyse blood and other body fluids to help diagnose, monitor and treat a wide range of conditions.
Our laboratories process more than 6,000 samples and carry out around 90,000 tests each day. We use modern laboratory systems to provide accurate results as quickly as possible.
The service has recently introduced the Abbott Indexor tracking system. This automated system helps us monitor samples throughout the testing process, improve turnaround times and reduce laboratory waste.
What we do
The core biochemistry laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital and Good Hope Hospital use automated analysers to deliver high-volume testing and reliable results.
Our test service continues to develop and expand. We work closely with healthcare professionals to introduce new tests and improve patient care.
One example is our Intelligent Liver Function Test (iLFT) service. This supports GPs by helping them interpret abnormal liver function results and identify patients who may need referral to hospital services.
We also support public health initiatives. This includes screening for blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis for patients attending the Emergency Department.
Specialist testing
We provide a range of specialist biochemistry investigations using advanced laboratory techniques.
These tests include:
- steroid hormone analysis
- vitamin testing
- thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity testing
- catecholamine and metabolite analysis
- kidney stone analysis
- immunosuppressant drug monitoring
Clinical advice and support
Our team provides advice to healthcare professionals on:
- interpreting test results
- selecting appropriate laboratory tests
- investigating medical conditions
- monitoring patients during treatment
We work closely with hospital teams, GPs and other healthcare providers to support safe, effective patient care.
Opening times
Core Biochemistry
Core Biochemistry operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week at:
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
- Heartlands Hospital
- Good Hope Hospital
Specialist Chemistry and Toxicology
Heartlands Hospital
- Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
- Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
Results and general enquiries
If you are not the person who requested the test, we cannot provide copies of reports.
For copies of reports, please email us.
Laboratory staff cannot discuss individual test results with patients. Please contact your GP or consultant if you have questions about your results.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital
- ClinicalChemistry@uhb.nhs.uk
- Specimen Reception: 0121 424 3242
- Biochemistry Laboratory: 0121 424 3842
Clinical enquiries
For clinical advice and non-routine test enquiries please email.
For urgent advice during working hours please call.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital
- 0121 424 2198
- or bleep 2506 via switchboard
Out-of-hours advice
Available between 17:30 and 09:00.
Contact the hospital switchboard and ask for the Biochemistry Duty Consultant on call.
Specimen enquiries
For information about specimen requirements, including:
- sample types
- transport requirements
- turnaround times
Visit the Pathology test database.
Research enquiries
For research-related enquiries, including requests for non-standard of care results please email our pathology research team.
Quality assurance and accreditation
The Clinical Biochemistry laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2022 standards.
Biochemistry is accredited as a UKAS medical laboratory (No. 8910).
Some tests do not currently appear on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation. These tests are outside our accredited scope but are validated and performed to the same standards by trained and competent staff.
Data protection
Pathology laboratory services comply with UHB data protection policies and procedures. For further information, contact:
- Louise Fallon, Quality Manager
- louise.fallon@uhb.nhs.uk
Announcement: Training and Development
For information on careers, training and education in Pathology, please see our Training and Development webpage.
Last reviewed: 06 August 2026