Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures

By Cynthia C. Chernecky and Barbara J. Berger

Book Overview

Find complete answers to questions such as which laboratory tests to order or what the results might mean. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 6th Edition covers more tests than any other reference of its kind, with over 900 lab tests and diagnostic procedures in all. In Part I, you'll find an alphabetical list of hundreds of diseases, conditions, and symptoms, including the tests and procedures most commonly used to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis. In Part II, you'll find descriptions of virtually every laboratory and diagnostic test available. This edition is updated with the latest research and over 20 NEW test entries. Written by educator Cynthia Chernecky and clinical nurse specialist Barbara Berger, this lab reference covers today's lab tests with concise, easy-to-use information.

More than 900 laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures are included - more than any other reference! Over 600 diseases, conditions, and symptoms are listed, along with the tests used to confirm them. Alphabetical organization and A-to-Z thumb tabs make it easy to find the information you're looking for. Alternative test names and acronyms are cross-referenced to simplify lookup. Instructions for client and family teaching help you offer guidance concerning test preparation and follow-up care. Age and gender-specific norms are provided, giving you complete lifespan coverage. Risks and Contraindications are highlighted to help you safeguard your patients and provide effective care. Panic Level Symptoms and Treatment are provided for dangerously increased and decreased levels. Minimum volumes for blood samples are included, useful when a client's blood preservation is essential, as well as information on whether blood specimens can be drawn during hemodialysis. Tests for toxic substances are included, making this a lab, diagnostic, and toxicology book all in one. Abbreviations, measurement prefixes, and symbols are listed on the front and back covers for convenience. Information on herbal supplements indicates when a client's use of natural remedies might affect test results. Over 20 NEW test entries present the latest tests and procedures, with a strong focus on affordable, clinically relevant genetic tests. UPDATED content includes the latest research relating to accuracy of tests, diagnostic value of results, and associated cost-benefit ratios.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1455706949
• ISBN13: 9781455706945
• Release Date: December 2012
• Publisher: Saunders
• Length: 1232 Pages
• Weight: 3.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

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.

Good reference

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....

The best lab text ever!

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

An excellent and concise reference

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.

Make it an addition to your medical library

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.