The Discipline of Chemical Pathology is a joint department between the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). It forms part of the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences within the College of Health Sciences. The department provides vital diagnostic laboratory services to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, King Edward VIII Hospital, and several peripheral hospitals across KwaZulu-Natal.
Equipped with a fully automated analytical system, the department processes approximately 160,000 tests per month. It plays a key role in undergraduate (MBChB) and postgraduate teaching, as well as the training of laboratory technicians, technologists, and medical scientists.
Also known as Clinical Biochemistry or Clinical Chemistry, Chemical Pathology bridges laboratory science and clinical medicine by applying biochemical and molecular techniques for disease diagnosis and management. The discipline covers areas such as metabolic medicine, endocrine disorders, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and bone and liver diseases.
Chemical Pathologists provide both analytical and clinical expertise ensuring the accuracy of test results, developing new diagnostic tests, and advising healthcare professionals on the interpretation and clinical application of biochemical findings. The department also supports research, audits, and clinical innovation, advancing patient-oriented Chemical Pathology services in South Africa.
For a short introduction video, visit the Introduction to Chemical Pathology link on our homepage.
Learn more about the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) at www.nhls.ac.za.
After completion of the primary degree in medicine (e.g. bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery), internship and community service training a prospective trainee can then enter an accredited training programme for chemical pathology. Any additional time spent in any of the medical specialities is also of value, as chemical pathology is a very diverse speciality. The candidate is required to have spent at least 4 years in approved training posts (i.e. at Registrar level in an approved teaching hospital) in the Pathology disciplines, of which 3 years must be in Chemical Pathology. Qualification as a Specialist Chemical Pathologist and admission to the Specialist Register of the Health Professions Council of SA requires the candidate to obtain the degree of Master of Medicine and the Fellowship of the College of Pathologists of South Africa (F.C.PATH SA (Chem Path)
Undergraduate
We are currently involved in teaching of 1st– 3rd Medical Students. Our department is also involved in teaching at the Durban Institute of Technology and onsite /inservice teaching of medical technologists and technicians
Academic Meeting
The academic meeting is held weekly every Tuesday
Please contact the administrator for the updated program
After completion of the primary degree in medicine (e.g. bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery), internship and community service training a prospective trainee can then enter an accredited training programme for chemical pathology. Any additional time spent in any of the medical specialities is also of value, as chemical pathology is a very diverse speciality. The candidate is required to have spent at least 4 years in approved training posts (i.e. at Registrar level in an approved teaching hospital) in the Pathology disciplines, of which 3 years must be in Chemical Pathology. Qualification as a Specialist Chemical Pathologist and admission to the Specialist Register of the Health Professions Council of SA requires the candidate to obtain the degree of Master of Medicine and the Fellowship of the College of Pathologists of South Africa (F.C.PATH SA (Chem Path))
Research
The department is involved with research spanning several different fields from non-communicable disease, HIV related disease, toxicology, molecular diagnostics and environmental health. There is also a strong focus on markers of renal disease and endocrinology testing. The nature of the discipline of chemical pathology and its core of diagnostic methodologies allows for research in almost all aspects of health and disease. Additionally, research reviewing improvement of quality processes and other aspects of laboratory management and assay development have also been published by the department. This work is ongoing
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientist
| Name | Position | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Siphelele Dlamini | Acting Head of Department | +27 (031) 260 2561 |
| Ms Leezil Peneder | Departmental Administrator | +27 (031) 240 2557 |
