Special Chemistry Laboratory

The Special Chemistry Laboratory in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology provides high complexity, non-automated, biochemical testing. In contrast to automated, general chemistry assays, special chemistry testing involves more complex procedures encompassing the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases. Unusual samples and atypical processing procedures, complex and state-of-the-art analytical methods, multiplexed analyses, and tests requiring complex interpretation(s), are common in the Special Chemistry Laboratory. Testing includes protein electrophoresis and immunofixation, heavy metal analysis, biochemical genetics, infectious disease and autoimmune serology, sweat testing, intra-operative PTH, fetal defect marker testing, and immunosuppressive drug measurements. 

Faculty from the Special Chemistry laboratories are involved in research topics encompassing several areas including:

  • Tumor markers and development of clinical assays for management & treatment of cancer patients
  • Biomarker discovery, validation, translation, and implementation of new clinical tests
  • Clinical and translational pharmacokinetics of drugs and biochemistry of metabolic bone disease
  • Role of sphingolipids in cellular lipid metabolism
  • Design of assays to establish metabolic profiles of patients with inherited and acquired diseases
  • Molecular and proteomic testing to support precision medicine and individualized therapies
  • Evaluation and validation of new technologies

The Special Chemistry Laboratory is involved in clinical chemistry training of pathology residents, and also participate in post-doctoral training of clinical chemistry fellows from neighboring institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In addition, we are a training site for medical technology students of nearby medical technology programs at Rutgers University and Stony Brook University. We also provide opportunities for training of Masters level graduate students, both from Columbia University and external institutions.

Contact Us

Special Chemistry Laboratory
Columbia University Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital

622 West 168th Street
3rd Floor Room PH3-365
New York, NY 10032

 

Faculty

  • Alex J. Rai, PhD, DABCC, FACB

    • Director, Special Chemistry Laboratory
    • Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at CUMC
  • Tiffany Thomas, PhD

    • Director, Biochemical Genetics Laboratory
    • Assistant Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at CUMC
  • Tilla S. Worgall, MD, PhD

    • Director, Electrophoresis Laboratory
    • Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology and Pediatrics at CUMC
  • Serge Cremers, PhD, PharmD

    • Professor in Pathology and Cell Biology and Medicine at CUMC