Reviewer: Valerie L. Ng, PhD MD(Alameda County Medical Center/Highland Hospital)
Description: This is a comprehensive textbook of molecular pathology testing and its use in clinical practice.
Purpose: The purpose was to bring all types of molecular pathology testing together in one place. This is a worthy objective as currently available resources typically focus on only one or a few of the many medical specialty areas where molecular pathology testing is used. This book meets its objective admirably.
Audience: It is intended for practicing molecular pathologists, but it would also be useful for anyone interested in molecular pathology, ranging from laboratorians (CLSs, pathologists) to medical students, practitioners in all medical specialties, and even the lay public with an interest in this rapidly evolving arena. The editors and many of the authors are internationally recognized for their expertise in molecular testing and clinical applications.
Features: Eight major sections in the book cover molecular pathology as applied to genetics, inherited cancers, solid tumors, neoplastic hematology, infectious diseases, identity testing, HLA typing, and laboratory management issues specific to molecular pathology laboratories. Multiple chapters in each of the sections delve into the application of molecular testing for specific disease states or other clinical situations. Each chapter follows a standardized format, starting with a discussion of the disease or clinical condition of interest, followed by indications for testing, available assays, and interpretation of results. The section on test result interpretation is one of the most valuable of the book, providing a balanced assessment of the supporting literature and thoughtful conclusions. If more than one molecular technique can be applied to the condition under consideration, the interpretation section nicely compares and contrasts the performance of the different technologies and offers advice on interpretation of tests results generated by specific molecular technology(ies).
Assessment: This is a great “one-stop shopping” book for authoritative information on all types and applications of molecular testing.
by
Debra G.B. LeonardDebra G.B. Leonard
This authoritative textbook embodies the current standard in molecular testing for practicing pathologists, and residents and fellows in training. The text is organized into eight sections: genetics, inherited cancers, infectious disease, neoplastic hematopathology, solid tumors, HLA typing, identity testing, and laboratory management. Discussion of each diagnostic test includes its clinical significance, available assays, quality control and lab issues, interpretation, and reasons for testing. Coverage extends to HIV, hepatitis, developmental disorders, bioterrorism, warfare organisms, lymphomas, breast cancer and melanoma, forensics, parentage, and much more. Includes 189 illustrations, 45 in full-color. This textbook is a classic in the making and a must-have reference.
