Chemistry
Overview
The Clinical Chemistry section within Laboratory and Genomic Medicine at WashU Medicine traces its origins to 1962, when Dr. William Daughaday first served as a consultant. Since that time, the section has been home to some of the most influential figures in laboratory medicine, including Jack Ladenson, PhD; Jay McDonald, MD; and Mitch Scott, PhD. Their work helped establish WashU Medicine as a leader in clinical chemistry. Landmark achievements include the development of the first monoclonal antibodies specific for creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I—critical milestones that laid the foundation for modern diagnostic assays for myocardial infarction, now used globally.
The Clinical Chemistry section provides comprehensive diagnostic services spanning general chemistry, special chemistry, toxicology, endocrinology, serology, mass spectrometry, pediatric chemistry, and point-of-care testing. Faculty actively contribute to clinical service, translational research, education, and laboratory stewardship. Many serve on national and international committees, publish peer-reviewed research, and are invited speakers at major conferences. The section also plays a critical leadership role within Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the BJC HealthCare system, with medical directorship over multiple hospitals and outpatient laboratories while supporting diagnostic standardization and quality initiatives.
Clinicians
The talented team behind groundbreaking discoveries in this subspecialty.
Highlights
The discovery of monoclonal antibodies to CK-MB and cardiac troponin I has laid the foundation for modern cardiac diagnostics. This groundbreaking work has been complemented by ongoing leadership roles in national organizations such as the Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). Faculty members have received numerous awards and honors, including ADLM Outstanding Contributions for Chemistry, ADLM Outstanding Contributions for Education, and multiple Young Investigator Awards, highlighting their excellence and election to leadership roles in national scientific societies. Additionally, the implementation of cutting-edge testing platforms and quality initiatives, such as rapid rule-out pathways for myocardial infarction and pre-analytical error reduction strategies, underscores their commitment to advancing the field of laboratory medicine.