Analytical Areas

The Joaquim Chaves Saúde Core Laboratory is an international reference, equipped with advanced technology for high-complexity clinical testing. It performs exams in areas such as clinical chemistry, haematology, and endocrinology, and plays a key role in the serological diagnosis of infectious diseases like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and hepatitis B and C—conditions with high incidence and testing demand in Mozambique.

This laboratory also monitors treatment effectiveness in patients with substance dependencies, investigates psychoactive substances, and supports research into STIs and systemic infections.

Immunology focuses on analysing the body’s defence mechanisms by evaluating antibodies and antigens. In Mozambique, these tests are particularly important for identifying the causes of persistent symptoms such as skin rashes, chronic inflammation, or respiratory issues.

This area plays a key role in diagnosing allergies, autoimmune diseases, and in monitoring immunological treatments, which are increasingly used in managing chronic conditions.

The Medical Genetics department supports the diagnosis of hereditary conditions and chromosomal abnormalities. It is particularly relevant in cases of malformations, learning difficulties, or a family history of cancer-related diseases.

In Mozambique, this service is often sought by pregnant women for fetal anomaly screening and genetic counselling.

Molecular Biology focuses on the study of cellular activity, particularly the structure and function of DNA and RNA. It allows for the identification of genetic alterations and the presence of microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria. This is essential, for example, in detecting HPV infections, screening for viral hepatitis, and preventing hereditary diseases.

Microbiology investigates microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, enabling the identification of pathogens responsible for diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, and dysentery — common infections in Mozambique, where there is a strong demand for laboratory diagnosis.

A typical example is the diagnosis of urinary tract infections, usually caused by bacteria. This is done through a urine culture — a standard microbiological test that is essential for choosing the right treatment and helping to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Radioimmunoassay is a highly sensitive method used to measure substances in the blood, such as tumour markers, hormones, or allergens. It plays a key role in diagnosing allergic conditions, cancer screening, and managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.