Skip to main content

Clinical Chemistry

The Clinical Chemistry Division delivers high-quality, patient-centered laboratory testing across a wide range of analytes to support diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapeutic decision-making. Our expert faculty oversee automated and specialized testing in areas including endocrinology, toxicology, and metabolic diseases, working in close partnership with clinical teams across the health system. We are committed to training the next generation of clinical chemists and pathologists. Residents and fellows gain hands-on experience in test interpretation, laboratory management, and quality improvement initiatives, supported by a team of nationally recognized leaders in the field. 

Additionally, we offer Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) at the UNC Medical Center ( other locations too?).  POCT is used for diagnostic testing performed at or near the site of patient care—such as in the emergency department, operating room, or intensive care unit—rather than in a centralized laboratory. This approach enables rapid turnaround of test results, which can significantly improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.  

Common POCT modalities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Urine pregnancy testing 
  • Glucose monitoring 
  • Coagulation testing 

Point-of-Care testing within the UNC Medical Center is accredited under CAP. 

Devices are first reviewed and approved by the standing Point-of-Care Committee which consists of laboratory and clinical staff. After selection, the coordinators will assist you in developing procedures, training, and quality assurance practices that are required by the institution and regulatory agencies. 

Currently, the UNC Medical Center POC Program has more than 4500 certified POC operators and monitors some 250 devices. 

To access the medical care team contact information as well as medical forms, please visit our UNC Health McLendon Labs page:  https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/mclendon-clinical-laboratories/directory/  

Explore Our Fellowship Program

Leadership 

Image of Steven Cotten

Steven Cotten, PhD 

Associate Professor
Director of Automated Chemistry and Critical Care Testing
Co-Director of Clinical Chemistry
UNCH Chatham Park Laboratory      
UNC & NCSU Campus Health Laboratories   
UNCH Children’s Raleigh Laboratory    

Nichole Korpi-Steiner Headshot

Nichole Korpi-Steiner, PhD, DABCC, FACB

Associate Professor
Fellowship Program Director, Clinical Chemistry
Medical Director, Point of Care Testing

 

 

 

Our People