Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures

This is an excellent reference. I think that it offers a wealth of information in a compact reference. Whenever a new edition comes out, I purchase it.

I am an old nurse stuck in my ways, so I found this reference a bit difficult to use at first. All tests are in alphabetical order instead of being divided by type, but that actually is an advantage I suppose. There are a couple great cross references - one in the beginning where you can look up common disorders and it lists what tests are recommended (NICE!) and of course the index in the back where it also lists the common abbreviations and tells you what the actual name of the test is/ where to find it etc. Great book, up to date, easy to understand, complex enough to explain what the test is for, how it works, how to collect, what the results mean, teaching recommendations, consideration etc. Just wish I had gotten it in hardcover....

I've taught nursing for the past 22 years and this is by far the best lab book I've ever used. At first glance it may appear intimidating, but it is very user friendly. The first few pages are medical diagnoses and their common labs with the most critical few astericked. The majority of the text is alphabetized by lab name and includes not only the values, but panic values, highlighted boxes for signs and symptoms of toxicities and treatments for each, and an extensive list of causes for high and low levels. There is much more to this text, but these are the qualities I love most. If you want to prevent patient's problems or at least identify them early, this text is a must and it will make you look like a genius in the process! I won't leave home without it. Darlene A. Franklin RN MSN Tennessee Technological University

I find myself referencing this paperback over and over again for both personal and professional help. The information is organized and written in a very simple, easy to locate, and understandable fashion. It is very handy to have on your shelf.

Auseful tool to find normal values and aceptable levels of every element of body fluids. Abrief desciption of each test is followed by lists of medical conditions that may influence the result.The design of professional considerations add more value to this book, since abnormal results not necessarily reflect abnormal medical conditions, they may as well come from various mistakes when preparing or handling the test, or influenced by the patient's previous medications. The text is well organized with plain English. A very useful book that I'd like to recommend it to every medical student.