Blood results in clinical practice

Cover Page; Title Page; Copyright; Contents; Preface; Abbreviations in the text; 1. Understanding blood tests; 2. Case study: Interpreting abnormal results; 3. The full blood count, anaemia and infection; 4. Coagulation and deep vein thrombosis; 5. Inflammatory markers; 6. Autoimmune conditions; 7. Transfusion testing; 8. Chronic disease markers: Diabetes; 9. Chronic disease markers: Cholesterol; 10. Chronic disease markers: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acid base; 11. Thyroid function; 12. Bone profile; 13. Renal function: Urea and electrolytes, and gout; 14. Liver function tests; Afterword; Further reading and references; Index

This book was written after feedback suggested that stories and analogies were very helpful to students wanting to remember blood tests and their implications. For this reason each section, where appropriate, contains an analogy, in addition to an overview of the relevant anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. The book links tests and conditions, and gives strategies for clinical practice using simple language.It will be useful as a supplementary text for those studying nursing, healthcare and medicine. It will also provide a quick-reference handbook for working healthcare professionals. Finally, it will provide a resource for patients and their relatives who may be keen to know more about the meaning and function of a particular blood test.