Clinical chemistry  is the area of clinical pathology that is generally concerned with analysis of bodily fluids for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (not to be confused with medicinal chemistry).

The discipline originated in the late 19th century with the use of simple chemical tests for various components of blood and urine. Subsequent to this, other techniques were applied including the use and measurement of enzyme activities, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, and immunoassay.

Most current laboratories are now highly automated to accommodate the high workload typical of a hospital laboratory. Tests performed are closely monitored and quality controlled.