Doody's Book Review

This fourth edition of Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry comes with a comprehensive molecular diagnostics section new to this authoritative textbook. The purpose is to continue the superb tradition of the original textbook of providing current and accessible information about anything anyone ever wanted to know about clinical chemistry. In addition to the new molecular diagnostics section, a new editor joins the publication, David Bruns, well known for his excellent editorial stewardship of the respected journal Clinical Chemistry . The authors and editors have succeeded admirably in meeting their goals for this book. This book would appeal to anyone interested in clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics, ranging from those just beginning health science studies to those in practice. The technical detail would be most appealing to those working in these areas either in the clinic or laboratory -- clinical chemists, pathologists, toxicologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, laboratory managers, etc. The authors are credible authorities, and the editors are world renowned for their expertise. This is a big book at about three inches thick and 2,400 pages. The sheer size and weight lends it gravitas and commands instant respect. This edition has a number of very nice features. First, the addition of David Bruns as an editor, with his extensive editorial skills, has brought a more cohesive feel to the varied material. This cohesiveness is further exemplified by the painstaking efforts of Ed Ashwood to uniformly depict figures containing chemical structures throughout the text. Secondly, the addition of molecular diagnostics is a much needed and welcome addition. The chapter on hematopoietic malignancies is truly superb -- comprehensive, beautiful figures and extensive (more than 500) references. Third, some very minor features are unbelievably helpful. One is an abbreviated table of contents listed on the inside front cover. This allows for rapid scanning to find and then quickly turn to the chapter of interest as soon as you open the book, instead of leafing through lots of pages in the beginning to find the table of contents. This minor detail is incredibly useful, given the sheer weight of this book and the very limited time I could hold it in one arm while using the other to find my place. Fourth, the editors/authors have established a companion website where readers can find updated information, analytical methods, case studies, and correction of errors in the edition. Finally, the technical information remains of the highest quality and caliber. This book as always been recognized as the authoritative textbook on clinical chemistry and the editors and authors have upheld this tradition admirably. This edition of Tietz continues the tradition of being the authoritative textbook on clinical chemistry, and now with the added benefit of a comprehensive review of molecular diagnostics. It is heavy, however, so be sure that your bookshelf is sturdy enough to hold this weighty tome, and those of limited upper body strength be forewarned. Valerie L. Ng, PhD, MD(Alameda County Medical Center/Highland Hospital). Copyright 2001, Doody Publishing