The Schubert Research Clinic Biochemistry Core Laboratory at Cincinnati 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 and vitamin D 25-OH are measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) methodology. 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D is measured by a competitive equilibrium radioimmunoassay (RIA).
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) 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 17-OH, testosterone and TSH) can be measured by CLIA, ELISA, or RIA. 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, renal function, total bile acids, glucose, C-reactive protein as well as others listed in the Comprehensive Test Menu. Tests not listed but commercially available for the analyzers can be discussed with the laboratory supervisor.
