Clinical Analysis were the JCS pioneer investment. It all started with the creation of Laboratório Dr. Joaquim Chaves, in 1959, initially based in Mafra and currently in Algés.

Answering an objective need of general population, we have opened, over the years, Sample Collection sites all over national territory. Today our network is comprised of more than 150 sites. We have recently extended our lab activity to the south of the country, by opening Laboratório Dr. Joaquim Chaves Algarve.

Sample collection and testing process

1. Reception

Attendance and Opening of Individual Processes. Client guidance until sample collection.

2. Sample Collection

Biological sample collection. Training and information related with sample collection material, always in accordance with product nature and pretended analytical study. Professional and friendly service assuring full respect for our clients’ rights.

3. Screening

Pre Analytical Phase execution and control, namely reception, verification, processing and primary manipulation of biological samples. Registry of Sample collection errors and consequent notice to sites, labs or hospitals.

4. Analytical Area:

• Genetics Service 
  

  Medical Genetics Service was created in 1995 aiming to deal with growing demand for a differentiated and quick diagnosis of genetic diseases.

  This service performs and develops several genetic tests covering different areas of genetics, namely prenatal biochemical screening (combined 1^st trimester screening, quadruple second trimester test and integrated 1^st / 2^nd trimester test) for Down syndrome and neural tube defects (NTD’s), other chromosomopathies;Preeclampsia screening, non-invasive peripheral blood (from pregnant women) tests, starting from 9 weeks of pregnancy, for detection of foetal chromosomopathies such as Down Symdrome, Edwards Symdrome, PatauSymdrome, Turner Symdrome and other chromosomal and genetic diseases. In the area of Cytogenetics / Molecular Cytogenetics, changes in chromosome number and balanced or unbalanced structural changes are studied, both for Prenatal and Postnatal diagnosis, by performing foetal or population karyotype. These exams are possible due to advanced methodologies, such as DNA microarray studies (molecular karyotype). In the area of Molecular Genetics, a great number of genetic tests are available, recurring to appropriate and developed methodologies for Pre and Postnatal diagnosis of several mono- and polygenic genetic diseases, namely: rapid detection of common autosomal aneuploidies, determination of foetal gender and foetal RhD status from peripheral blood of pregnant women, HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) System Genes, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, infertility, mental retardation and cognitive impairment, rare diseases, oncologic diseases, NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) panels, designedin accordance with genetic disease under study. This area also offers services of Kinship research (paternity tests), genetic factors related to multifactorial diseases, genotyping in the area of pharmacogenetics. The Medical Genetics service operates in conjunction with the Medical Genetics Appointment, granting the support of a geneticist, for proper Genetic advising.

  
  

• Lab Core
  

  This service performs analytical determinations in the area of clinic chemistry, endocrinology, haematology, immunohaematology and infectious diseases serology, studies of various metabolic systems and homeostasis related to physiological and pathophysiological functioning of the different organs, therapeutic drug monitoring, search for psychoactive substances and monitoring addiction recovery patients and also functional evaluation of endocrinological axis, blood cells study, haemostasis, thrombophilia, fibrinolysis as well as determining blood groups (AB0, Rh and Kell system) and searching, identifying and titration for frequencies and specificities of red cell alloantibodies of high prevalence (clinically significant autoantibodies and alloantibodies).
  
  

• Immunology

  Direct or indirect diagnosis, description, quantification and confirmation of the presence of serum markers of infectious disease, resulting from host reactions to different aggressive agents. Qualitative and Quantitative study of antibodies, antigens and its description. Direct search for virus, fungus and parasites. Cytokines determination, adhesion molecules, peptides and antioxidants. Autoreactivity study through research and/or autoantibodies dosing or antigenic specificities identification.

  
  

• Analytical Chemistry

  Lab studies of hormones, vitamins, trace elements, neurotransmitters, heavy metals and other bio-constituents, supported by appropriate analytical systems.

  Illegal drugs screening in various biological products.

  Drug monitoring and metabolites identification. Chemical, physical and spectroscopic analysis of urinary, biliary vesicle, and prostate calculi

  
  

• Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
  

  Biochemical study and functional evaluation of endocrinological axis. Lab study of allergic disease and atopy.
  
  

• Microbiology

  Lab study of infectious diseases, of bacterial, mycological and parasitologicaletiology,.  performed by direct morphologic tests, isolation, identification and determination of antimicrobial resistanceof  microorganisms,in different biological samples. Monitoring of antibiotic therapy efficiency.

  
  

• Molecular Biology

  Qualitative and Quantitative study of genomic sequences of specific DNA from potentially pathogenic microorganisms..

5. Post-analytical Area 

Processing, transport preparation and delivery of Analysis Reports.