Serum protein testing has been an integral, although underutilized, part of clinical laboratory science for many years. As appreciation grows for the power of these measurements in clinical practice so does a need for continuing education.
Through an educational grant from Dade Behring, Inc., FBR has developed this 152-page guide on serum protein utility and interpretation for day to day use by practitioners and laboratorians. This 4½" x 7" guide contains a distillation of the world's literature on the subject, is fully indexed, and is presented by a given disease state (Section I), as well as by individual proteins (Section II).
Outline of Contents
SECTION I.A.: Non-Disease-Specific Effects on Serum Proteins
INFLAMMATION
DRUG AND HORMONE EFFECTS ON SERUM PROTEINS
NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT
SECTION I.B.: Clinical Disease and Serum Protein Use
ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
ENDOCRINE DISEASE
GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE
HEMATOLOGIC DISEASE
LIVER DISEASE
NEUROLOGIC DISEASE
PULMONARY DISEASE
RENAL DISEASE
RHEUMATIC DISEASE
SECTION II: General Information on Serum Proteins
Book Reviews:
EK: This book is useful for interpretation of test results, as well as providing guidance regarding which test is (or is not) appropriate to order and why (or why not). I learned a lot reviewing it. Section II is helpful regarding background information about each protein. I imagine referring to this section once the decision to order a specific test is made. The size and length of the document are conducive to frequent and easy use. This book is definitely appropriate for house staff, internists, general practictioners. I would think it appropriate also for pediatricians and specialists as well, for all of the above-mentioned reasons.
RS: It's particularly useful to have sections on particular disease entities and sections on each protein. The guide can be used on many different levels by medical students, residents, internists, specialists, etc. The guide is most helpful in deciding which tests to order for a suspected diagnosis; interpreting protein results already in a patient's chart and as a source of background material for serum protein testing. It's wonderful!
