A concise, practical guide to history taking and routine laboratory tests for busy medical students and clinicians.
This handbook covers how to take a medical history, perform a focused physical examination, and select the usual laboratory tests needed in clinical practice. It also provides clear instructions for common procedures, staining techniques, and interpreting basic results, making it useful for students in training and physicians who have limited time to devote to lab work. The edition updates essential tests, adds helpful technique chapters, and emphasizes actionable steps you can apply in real exams and patient care.
• Learn an efficient framework for taking history and outlining physical exams.
• Master common laboratory tests, including staining and smear techniques.
• Understand bedside methods for blood work, urine analysis, and basic pathologies.
• Follow practical steps for interpreting results and guiding diagnosis.
Ideal for medical students, hospital internes, and practicing physicians seeking a portable, straightforward reference for routine diagnostic work.