Brenta G. Davis, Diana Mass e Michael L. Bishop (a cura di), Principles of Clinical Laboratory Utilization and Consultation, Ed. W.B. Saunders, 1999

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his well-written 69-chapter book discusses laboratory tests from the organ system and disorder approach. This is not a book on how to do laboratory tests. Instead, the book enables the reader to first see how tests should be utilized from the laboratory perspective, and then turns the perspective around so that the reader sees how proper use of laboratory tests aids in the diagnosis and treatment of specific clinical disorders.

The book is divided into two parts. Part I gives a very thoughtful discussion of clinical utilization issues and the emerging role of the clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) as a bridge between the laboratory and the clinician needing laboratory information. Part II takes up a clinical focus and gives an excellent discussion of a wide range of clinical disorders that together cover a great deal of the testing done by clinical laboratories.

The first part of the book is divided into three chapters: Clinical Laboratory Utilization: Rationale; Clinical Laboratory Utilization: Implementation; and Consulting as a Professional Role for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist. The first chapter introduces the reader to the issues surrounding proper utilization of the clinical laboratory and how clinical appropriateness and practice guidelines are replacing standing orders and routine testing The second chapter explores the value of expanding of the role of the CLS to include assisting clinicians in the proper utilization of the laboratory. The third chapter delves into the specifics of how and where a CLS consultant could be utilized and the basic competencies and responsibilities of the CLS consultant.

The remaining 66 chapters are located within the 16 sections that make up Part II of the book. The first 10 sections, composed of 46 chapters, cover disorders of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, endocrine, reproductive, neurologic, hematologic, and immune systems. Each chapter focuses on a specific clinical problem and includes discussions of etiology and pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory analyses, treatment, and at least one case study. For example, the section “Cardiovascular Disorders” has four chapters that focus on the clinical issues associated with Myocardial Infarction and Atherosclerotic Heart Disease, Infectious Cardiomyopathy, Hypertensive Disorders, and Heart Failure. The final 20 chapters are contained within six sections covering Tumor Markers, Infectious Diseases, Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders, Toxicology and Drug Monitoring, the Neonate, and Geriatrics. The authors seem to have done a good job in covering those clinical areas from which many of the questions posed to the CLS will arise.»

This new book helps laboratory managers and practitioners understand and implement ways to achieve cost effective, value added services that meet the managed care, and medical necessity challenges of today’s health care environment. It also provides a foundation for educators in designing and delivering course content dealing with these important issues. Well-known experts provide detailed advice on achieving the cost effective utilisation of laboratory resources and the enhancement of diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. They guide readers in integrating clinical and laboratory data across laboratory discipline while considering the relevant technical, scientific, and cost parameters.

Edizione del 1999, con copertina rigida, venduta spesso “al nuovo” a cifre ben superiori ad €100.

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