Critique de Doody's Book

This book, now in its eighth edition, has been a resource for laboratory and diagnostic tests for the last three decades, providing valuable comprehensive information about most tests and procedures grouped according to specimen, function, and test type. The stated purpose is to promote the delivery of safe, effective, and informed care for patients undergoing diagnostic tests and procedures by providing this "unique resource." This is a compelling objective for healthcare, and the authors have provided the tools to achieve it. The audience for this book includes clinicians, students, educators, and researchers. The editors are both educators in the areas of nursing, medicine, and physiology. The manual covers an extensive array of tests and studies for diverse populations. In addition to the usual reference values provided by most books, this one includes extensive clinical implications for increased values and decreased values. It also provides lists for interfering factors and interventions that include pretest and posttest education and care. The Clinical Alert flags are somewhat arbitrary in that not all clinical alerts are related to critical or dangerous values. This is the premier book for students and practitioners on laboratory diagnostics. It is the most complete and provides the most helpful data for use at the bedside. Other books and handouts can provide normal values, but few provide information that allows for consideration of differential diagnoses. The continual updating of the manual provides confidence that the information is valid. Cherie G Howk, PhD, FNP-BC(Indiana State University). Copyright 2009, Doody Enterprises, Inc.