Updated with the latest information about 500 of today's most commonly ordered laboratory and diagnostic tests UPDATED: The Eighth Edition lists more than 500 laboratory and diagnostic tests, including 20 new tests. Most of the current laboratory and diagnostic tests have been updated by author and experts in their specialty areas. NEW: New laboratory and diagnostic tests have been added, such as chromosomal analysis, clostridium difficule toxin assay, clot retraction, complete blood count (CBC), Heinz bodies, heroin, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), sexual assault/attack, trypsin, venereal disease research laboratory, Vitamin E, apnea tests, nephrotomography, postcoital test, water loading test. UPDATED: Some previous laboratory tests have been updated, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). UPDATED: Laboratory test values have been updated, as needed, to current values. Reference values may differ among institutions. These values are guidelines; persons should check with their institutions' laboratory policies and reference values for the tests. Organized for fast access to the most pertinent information The text is divided into four parts: Part One: Laboratory Tests; Part Two: Diagnostic Tests; Part Three: School Health Services: Education, Screening, and Testing; and Part Four: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring.

The introduction highlights the importance of specimen collection, types of specimens, site and time of collection, collection types, labeling and handling, transport of specimen, laboratory measurements, and critical (panic) values. A sample list of differences in reference values between women and men is included after the introduction. The inside back cover includes the complete list of approved wording for abbreviations by The Joint Commission (TJC), originally known as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO). Lists of all laboratory and diagnostic tests with page numbers are found at the beginning of Part One, Laboratory Tests, and Part Two, Diagnostic Tests. UPDATED: Appendix A, Health Problems with Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, names 60 frequently identified health problems and includes the laboratory and diagnostic tests that are usually suggested. Many of the previous health problems with their laboratory and diagnostic tests have been updated. UPDATED: Appendix B, Laboratory Test Values for Adults and Children, has been updated to include the new laboratory tests. Other laboratory test values have been updated as needed.

Appendix C, Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Contrast, discusses the differences between the two imaging tests and when one is more preferable to use.