Final answer:
The clinical chemistry department carries out tests like urinalysis, blood typing, and evaluations of cerebrospinal fluid. These tests assess kidney function, the presence of infections, and help diagnose conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Analysis of blood samples for various metabolites also occurs in this department.
Step-by-step explanation:
The clinical chemistry department performs a variety of tests, including blood typing and urinalysis. Urinalysis is a common urine test where the sample is analyzed both physically and chemically, and also examined microscopically. This is done to detect the presence of substances such as proteins, glucose, and to assess pH levels, as well as looking for red and white blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and cellular casts. The clinical chemistry department may also be involved in testing for conditions such as diabetes mellitus by checking for sugar in urine using tests like Benedict's test. Additionally, they may evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for infections and other disorders.
In microbiology, samples such as CSF may be cultured to detect the growth of bacteria or fungi. Antibiotic treatment is typically effective against bacterial infections, and so, any bacteria grown from such cultures would likely be susceptible to antibiotics. Moreover, the clinical chemistry department may also evaluate blood samples, measuring components such as hemoglobin and other metabolites, which is crucial for diagnosing various medical conditions.