Schubert Research Clinic
Biochemistry Core Laboratory

Biochemistry Core Laboratory

The Biochemistry Core Laboratory is certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified and functions to more efficiently serve the common needs of investigators by providing them with the expertise, facilities and services necessary to execute most commercially available clinical and research assays.

Research Menu

We provide an analyte testing service for investigators in the following disciplines:

  • Bone health
  • Bone research
  • Nutritional status
  • Endocrine
  • Cytokine
  • General clinical chemistry

Available Assays

How VETSCAN VS2 Works

The VETSCAN VS2 Chemistry Analyzer is a state-of-the-art chemistry, electrolyte, immunoassay and acid-base analyzer that delivers uncompromising performance. By using just 100µL of whole blood, serum or plasma, the sophisticated Intelligent Quality Control (iQC) combines with proprietary algorithms to ensure dependable results during each run.* The VETSCAN VS2 provides dependable results with a sample integrity report, so you have all the information needed to make the best clinical decisions for your patients.

VETSCAN VS2 Profiles

The reagent profiles are specially designed to perform all the steps required to convert just 100 µL of blood into a panel of test results.t The VETSCAN VS2 rotor spins, separating the whole blood sample into plasma and cells. Precisely measured quantities of plasma or serum and diluent are mixed and delivered to the reaction cuvettes along the rotor perimeter. The diluted plasma dissolves the reagent beads, initiating the chemical reactions, which are monitored photometrically. The bar code printed on the rotor bar code ring provides calibration data that are specific for the chemistries in the rotor, ensuring accurate results.

Analytes for the VETSCAN VS2

Download our comprehensive test portfolio.

We also do ELISA testing of mice and rat samples using assays that are specific for mice and rat blood. These are used when lesser amounts of blood are required, or the test is only available using the ELISA method.

For the Cell Dyn instrument, please note that we use it for research only for animal blood.

The Clinical Translational Research Center Biochemistry Core Laboratory at Children’s Hospital Medical Center provides clinical and research assays for the study bone and mineral metabolism disorders:

Calcitropic hormones and Vitamin D 

Parathyroid hormone, vitamin D 25-OH, and 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D are measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) methodology.

Minerals

Total calcium and phosphorus are measured on an automated analyzer (cobas c 311) using second generation chemistry methods.

Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover

The assorted formation and resorption markers (BALP,PICP, CICP, ICTP, NTx, PYD, TRAP5b) are measured using ELISA methodologies.

Nutritional Status Assays

The laboratory provides clinical and research assays for assessment of nutritional status:
Carnitine (total, free, and short chain) is measured using a radio-enzymatic assay. Prealbumin levels are measured using an automated chemistry analyzer. Vitamins A and E are measured using HPLC methodology.

Endocrine Assays

The laboratory provides many research assays for the assessment of endocrine health. 
The various hormone levels (ACTH, Cortisol, DHEAS, estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone and TSH) can be measured by CLIA. Obesity related assays such as adiponectin, ghrelin, leptin, and PYY are measured by ELISA.

Cytokine Assays

The laboratory currently uses ELISA methodologies for all human cytokine analyses.

General Clinical Chemistry Assays

The laboratory provides research assays for many general chemistries using a cobas c 311 automated analyzer. Assays available include lipid profiles, liver function, total bile acids, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), high sensitivity CRP (HS CRP) as well as other general chemistry assays. Tests not listed but commercially available for the analyzers can be discussed with the laboratory supervisor.

The following assays are available to investigators through the Schubert Research Clinic Biochemistry Core Laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s. Details of the assay methods and measuring ranges can be obtained by contacting the laboratory supervisor. 

  • ACTH – plasma
  • Adiponectin and HMW Adiponectin – serum
  • Albumin
  • Alkaline phosphatase (serum ALP) – serum
  • Alkaline phosphatase – Bone – (BALP) – serum
  • Alpha-amylase – saliva
  • Bile acids (total)
  • Calcitonin
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) & HS CRP
  • C-terminal propeptide of Type 1 collagen Type I (C1CP)
  • Calcium (CA)
  • Carboxy-terminal-telopeptide of type I collagen-cross-link (ICTP) – serum
  • Carnitine – serum
  • Cholesterol
  • Cortisol – saliva / serum / urine
  • Cotinine – saliva
  • Creatinine – serum / urine
  • DHEAS
  • Estradiol
  • FGF-23 in plasma
  • FSH
  • Fructosamine
  • Glucose
  • Ghrelin – serum
  • HDL cholesterol
  • Insulin
  • IL-1 beta
  • IL-6 – serum
  • LDL cholesterol
  • Leptin – serum
  • LH
  • Magnesium
  • N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen-cross-linked (NTx) – serum / urine
  • Osteocalcin
  • Phosphorous (P)
  • PIVKA-II
  • Prealbumin – serum
  • Procollagen I C-terminal propeptide (PICP)
  • Progesterone
  • Prolactin
  • PTH N-Tact
  • Pyridinoline cross-links (PYD) – urine
  • PYY – serum
  • Renin – plasma
  • Testosterone
  • Thyroglobulin antibody (TGAB)
  • Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAB)
  • Tissue transglutaminase – IgA (tTg-IgA) - serum
  • TNF-alpha – serum
  • Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b
  • Triglycerides
  • TSH third generation
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D (25-OH)
  • Vitamin D (1,25 dihydroxy)
  • Vitamin E

Custom Test Development

If you don't see the test you're looking for, you can request the development of a new test. Contact us with the requested test and we will review the request. Preference will be given to analyses used by more than one investigator and likely to be used by multiple investigators in the future.