Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods

Abstract

20th ed, edited by John Bernard Henry,1512 pp, with illus, Philadelphia, Pa, WB Saunders Co, 2001.How does one review a textbook that has been published continuously for 93 years? This reviewer still remembers the feeling of being overwhelmed by the 14th edition of this book while going through clinical pathology training. The broad range of subjects was intimidating, yet one could learn, thanks to its methodical writing, the fundamentals of all the disciplines in clinical pathology.I agree with John Bernard Henry, MD, the present editor, when he states that The Todd and Sanford is a legend among medical textbooks. The name Todd and Sanford was the way generations of laboratorians referred to this book as a tribute to James C. Todd, MD, who edited the first 6 editions, and Arthur H. Sanford, MD, who coedited the next 4 editions with Dr Todd.The most remarkable feature of this textbook is how it has managed to stay current by constantly updating information. The 20th edition is a worthy successor to the previous 19; it has 106 authors and a total of 1512 pages.The first part of the book, as in previous editions, deals with the organization and practice of the clinical laboratory, physician office laboratories, instrumentation, automation, interpretation of laboratory results, informatics, laboratory statistics, and quality assurance.The second part has 9 chapters dealing with all aspects of clinical chemistry, regarding renal function, water and electrolytes, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, liver function tests, endocrine function, clinical enzymology, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Part 3 has several chapters on the examination of body fluids, gestation, gastrointestinal disorders, and pancreatic disorders. The fourth part of this book discusses hematology and transfusion medicine.Subsequent chapters include comprehensive reviews of immunology, immunopathology, microbiology, and tumor markers.The last part of the book recognizes the increasing importance of molecular pathology and genetics. The first chapter of this section is an introduction to molecular pathology, discussing basic principles and techniques. This introduction is followed by chapters on polymerase chain reaction and other amplification technologies, hybridization arrays, cytogenetics, and the application of these methods to various disorders, such as hematopoietic neoplasms, genetic diseases, parentage testing, and forensic identity by DNA analysis.As in previous editions, there are appendices at the end of the book on physiologic solutions, reference materials, temperature conversions, body mass index, periodic table of the elements, and SI units. Each of the chapters contains the latest references, as well as clear tables and illustrations.Likeall of its preceding editions, this textbook deserves a place in the reference library of every laboratory.