Lab Literacy for Doctors helps you make quick and efficient decisions about the right tests for typical clinical situations, thereby improving patient care. In a study published by the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (2014-03-01), primary care physicians reported that 15% of the time they are unsure about ordering lab tests and 8% of the time they are unsure about interpreting the results. This raises concerns about the need for more efficient and cost-effective lab test utilization. Lab Literacy for Doctors addresses these concerns in a practical, up-to-date, and easy-to-use format. Refer to this essential guide for:

• A quick index summarizing the clinical utility of common tests.
• Advice and information on lab errors, false positives and negatives, and blood and tissue collection.
• Sections on dermatology, ENT and respiratory system, endocrine system, fatigue, GI and hepatic system, gynecology and pregnancy, routine screening, and more.

Christopher Naugler, MD, FRCPC, is the zone clinical section chief of general pathology for Alberta Health Services in the Calgary area, where he provides leadership and direction to a team of laboratory physicians. He is also the director of the general pathology residency training program at the University of Calgary. Dr. Naugler has authored or co-authored more than 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Christopher Naugler's profile page

Ethan Flynn, MD, is an anatomic and clinical pathologist with extensive clinical, administrative and teaching experience. He served in the U.S. Navy as program director of the anatomic and clinical pathology residency program at National Naval Medical Center (“the President’s hospital”). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (DABCC), fellow of the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB), Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Calgary, and is currently the Medical Lead for Clinical Pathology, South Health Campus, Alberta Health Services.

Ethan Flynn's profile page

Appropriate utilization of clinical laboratory tests is an important part of practicing medicine in the 21st century. Dr. Naugler has done an excellent job by providing the most up-to-date information in a relatively complicated subject in an easy-to-follow format.

Hossein Sadrzadeh, PhD, DABCC, FACB — Chief, Clinical Biochemistry Section, Calgary Laboratory Services; Clinical Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary

Finally, a highly readable, practical guide for physicians that focuses on the ordering of laboratory tests based on the underlying clinical context. A valuable resource that promises to advance health care quality through promoting patient-centred, appropriate care.

Richard G. Hegele, MD, FRCPC, PhD — Professor & Chair, Dept. of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto; Chief, Dept. of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children