Can a biochemist open a laboratory?
CAN A BIOCHEMIST OPEN A LAB?
Biochemistry is a branch of Science that deals with the application of chemistry to the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. Biochemistry is a laboratory based science that combines biology and chemistry. It is a paramedical course. A laboratory is a room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, teaching or for the manufacture of drugs, chemicals or both.
There are several types of laboratories with different functions some of which are;
👉Analytical and Quality laboratories
👉Bio-safety laboratories
👉Clinical and Medical laboratories
👉Diagnostic laboratories
👉Incubator laboratories
👉Production laboratories
👉Research and Development laboratories
A Biochemist can open a laboratory based on the type of the laboratory. Out of the several types of laboratories listed above a Biochemist can only open a few while they are not allowed to open others by law. For example, a Diagnostic or clinical laboratory is a lab where medical practitioners (Medical Lab Scientists) work to provide diagnostic services that provide medical professionals with information for proper diagnosis. Such laboratory tests involve fluid samples such as Urine and Blood, body scans, cell samples and much more. By law a Biochemist cannot open such a lab as it is the sole responsibility of a Medical Laboratory Scientist as that is their specialty but a Biochemist can work in such a laboratory most times as an analyst or an assistant to the Medical Laboratory Scientist. Biochemists are not allowed to open a diagnostic lab for any form of clinical investigation.
However a Biochemist can open a Research lab, a Development lab or Test lab. Research labs carry out basic and applied research work in areas such as Tumor biology and microRNA research as well as Biotechnology methods. Generally, it is advised for you to take legal advice as a professional on your area of work and the limitations involving the use, storage and disposal of chemicals and organisms (if you are going to make use of these). Licensing is required in most cases and countries to carry out such activities and requirements have to be met to be issued such licenses.
Shyllon Olayinka Enoch, Undergraduate student of Biochemistry at Obafemi Awolowo University
Twitter; @blackpeggy103
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