Oxford Handbook of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation (Oxford Handbooks Series)

Product Description

Modern medicine is highly complex and investigations are a key part of the diagnostic process. With major advances in technology there are thousands of clinical and laboratory tests available. This book provides a patient-oriented approach to investigation (first part of book) where key symptoms and signs are described along with tests that may be of value in reaching a diagnosis. The remainder of the book is specialty-centred and provides a comprehensive review of all available tests within a given subject. The book emphasises which tests are of value, when tests are not likely to be helpful, along with pitfalls in the interpretation of results. The aim is of the book is to provide a more rational method of investigation and prevent over-investigation which is expensive for the hospital and unpleasant for the patient. The contributors are all active clinicians who are engaged in medical practice, so appreciate the problems faced by junior doctors. The book should also be of value to senior medical students who will be facing finals examinations, and who will soon be on the wards and responsible for ordering tests on their patients.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #283909 in Books
Published on: 2005-11-24
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
838 pages
Editorial Reviews

Review
`Review from previous edition . . . the 'black bible' has been a very useful find. Written by active clinicians, this is a very practical book, extremely useful for a quick reference on the wards and one of the few pieces of medical literature that concentrates on investigations and how to interpret them.' Northwing (Sheffield Medical School Gazette) June 2004

`This book not only tells you which investigations to order in numerous clinical situations but how to interpret the results, which is all-important. It is written by clinicians, is wonderfully pragmatic and the last word on clinical investigation . . . Strongly recommended.' Dr Harry Brown 01/03/2003

Book Info
The Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK. Concise pocket-sized reference listing symptoms and signs and the tests that may be of value in providing a diagnosis. Also includes a comprehensive review of all available tests in each field of medicine. Outline format with halftone illustrations. Plastic-coated softcover.

About the Author
Drew Provan is on the editorial boards of The British Journal of Haematology, Blood Reviews and the US web-based journal Bloodline.
Customer Reviews

A refreshing draught of pragmatic medicine
This is a truly excellent book. So often, medical authors are intent on impressing their readership with their knowledge of obscure minutae (a detailed knowledge of genetics and/or immunology seems to be key to a bright future in academic medicine at the moment, with public health and prevention appearing to be considered rather low brow !).

This state of affairs rarely helps the clinician or laboratory doctor toiling away at the coal face, trying to do the right thing for the patient without ending up in medico-legal hot water !

This book doesn't do this. Instead, it provides the reader with useful insights into the rational practice of medicine, in particular endorsing the tremendous value of lateral thinking in medicine.

The section on Infection and Tropical Medicine is particularly valuable. Apart from man himself, the biggest challenge to our species remains infection, the only new diseases that will come along will be infectious in nature, the general public remain fascinated and frightened by infections (just look at the impact of SARS in 2003 !), and many infections are treatable and/or preventable if only we can get round to considering the possibility that the patient might have them !. Indeed, a patient's best interests remain best served by their doctor retaining a supicious mind ! This chapter makes this abundantly clear.

The other sections are also excellent, especially the wonderful opening chapter on symptoms and signs.

I would not only recommend medical students and junior doctors read this book - many senior clinicians and medical academics would have their personal and professional horizons usefully broadened by their thumbing through this first rate effort.

I look forward to the second edition.