Product Description

Widely used in both academic and clinical settings, this comprehensive resource provides clear, concise coverage of more than 700 of the most commonly performed diagnostic and laboratory tests - including 30 new to this edition. Chapters are organized by test type and begin with a list of the tests covered, followed by a test type overview with specimen collection techniques. Tests are presented in a consistent format with normal findings, indications, test explanation, procedure and patient care, and test results and clinical significance, as well as any applicable contraindications, potential complications, interfering factors, and related tests.

• A full-color design and 127 photographs and illustrations depict procedures, equipment, techniques, and key concepts.






• Provides comprehensive coverage of more than 700 diagnostic and laboratory tests routinely performed today.








• UNIQUE! Test Results and Clinical Significance sections explain pathophysiology and how test results may indicate certain disease processes.








• Color-coded thumb-tabs, alphabetically organized chapters, and two appendixes that list all tests - one in alphabetical order and the other organized by body system - make every test easy to find.








• Critical Values alert you to situations requiring immediate intervention.








• UNIQUE! Related Tests sections list tests that provide similar information or are used to evaluate the same body system, disease process, or symptom.








• UNIQUE! Clinical Priorities boxes emphasize information that must be kept in mind when preparing a patient for testing, performing a test, and evaluating results.








• UNIQUE! An icon for drug-related Interfering Factors alerts you to the effects of pharmacologic agents on tests.








• A patient teaching icon indicates information that should be shared with patients and their families.








• Home Care Responsibilities boxes provide important patient teaching guidelines and instructions for patients outside the acute care setting.








• UNIQUE! Age-Related Concerns boxes address the special needs of pediatric and geriatric patients and critical age-related variations in values.








• SI units are included in the Normal Findings section of appropriate tests.








• Convenient lists of disease and organ panels, test abbreviations, and tests by body system offer quick access to frequently referenced information.




• A comprehensive index includes the names of all tests and their synonyms, as well as other relevant terms found within test entries for quick access in the clinical setting.

• Completely updated content with 30 new tests, including ductoscopy, thyroglobulin, lactoferrin, and human papillomavirus.


• New full-color photographs and enhanced illustrations clarify key concepts and demonstrate testing techniques.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10580 in Books
• Published on: 2009-10-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 1264 pages

About the Author
Kathleen Deska Pagana, PhD, RN, Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA; and Timothy James Pagana, MD, FACS, Surgical Oncologist, Wiilliamsport, PA

Customer Reviews

Excellent for the Nursing Student
An excellent book for the nursing student... with ample info regarding diagnostic and lab test. It gives info for normal, increased and decreased values, with reasons why they might be that way, which makes it easy to apply to your patient, especially in a care plan. I found it a very valuable to help me finish my care plans. I use it for all my clinical situations and know that it will be a great companion when I am at my clinical sites.

Extremely helpful for med students!
This book really explains what lab values mean, exactly what causes elevations and depressions, gives a differential diagnosis for each, and lists pathologic, physiologic, and pharmacologic factors that might influence each lab value. It even includes how to perform the tests (eg what kind of blood tube), what to tell the patient before the test, other tests that are associated, and what other tests one might need to order. My only complaint is that it isn't completely exhaustive as far as the tests included. It's definitely geared towards learners, and not really a complete reference for experienced providers. If you are a medical, nursing, PA, or other such student, this book will be tremendously valuable with interpreting lab values.

a must have for any nurse...student or professional.
everything a nurse needs to know about diagnostic and laboratory tests. an essential and user friendly reference and companion in clinical practice or study. what more can i say?