THE AUGMENTED BIOCHEMIST: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE IN THE MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into medical biochemistry is heralding a paradigm shift from reactive diagnostics to proactive, personalized, and precision-driven pathology. This review elucidates the pervasive role of AI across the entire continuum of the clinical biochemistry laboratory workflow. We detail its application beginning with pre analytical phases, including intelligent test ordering and sample quality assessment. In the analytical phase, AI enhances instrument performance and quality assurance through real time anomaly detectionThe most profound impact resides in the post-analytical phase, where machine learning (ML) models integrate complex, multi-analyte data with electronic health records (EHRs) to generate diagnostic predictions, identify novel disease patterns, and provide robust clinical decision support. Furthermore, AI streamlines laboratory logistics, from inventory management to automated reporting.We address critical challenges,including data standardization, algorithm transparency, regulatory hurdles, and the evolving role of the biochemical professional. By synthesizing recent advancements, this paper posits that AI is a formidable collaborator,empowering biochemists to deliver enhanced diagnostic accuracy, operational efficiency, and superior patient-centric care.