The Hidden Assassin: When Clinical Lab Tests Go Awry is an anthology about ordinary people’s encounters with clinical lab testing. Something innocent like a blood glucose test can kill or the finding of a chemical in blood can uncover a terrorist plot. Lab tests are also essential for determining the health of an unborn child. Genetic testing can now be used to determine if you are predisposed to get cancer or suffer a fatal side effect to a medication. We can determine if someone has suffered a heart attack or more importantly predict who will get one in the near future. The stories are based on true events. Because of patient privacy laws, the names and places have been changed. Reading this book might help you avoid the bad outcomes that happened to these people.
I just read the fourth book by Dr. Alan Wu. Each book has opened my eyes to what is really happening in our society. His latest book Performance Enhancing Drugs and Adulterants provides us insight into the world of individuals who live on the edge and constantly try to beat the system, whether it be hiding drugs or trying to enhance their bodies through chemicals. There are also innocent people who try to prove their innocence in drug usage but they get trapped in a system trying to capture habitual drug offenders. It is truly a shame that the quality of laboratory testing in the U.S. is not standard. We should be thankful for doctors like Dr. Alan Wu who make sure all standards are met in clinical laboratory testing. As I drive on our highways today I am very concerned about the drivers around me. What is motivating them, where are their minds, and what drugs are they taking? We must be aware of of our environment and always be on the watch for erratic behavior. Never let your guard down, your life may depend on it. Thank you Dr. Wu for exposing a world which was foreign to me. I look forward to your next book!
Each of Alan Wu's books is riveting and oh so enlightening. This latest addition carries on his tradition of excellence and is coupled with a new maturity in writing. Each story is compelling. I wanted to skim the book. Instead I found myself quickly drawn in such that I couldn't put the book down until I had completely read it. HIs writing is direct, concise and clear. While "alternate universes" still exist, they are not as corny or fantastical as in prior books. The speculation on how history could have changed based on the correct diagnosis or interpretation of test results is breathtaking as the reality hits home.
This is a most welcome addition to his series. You will love it. You will read it multiple times. And because it is so packed full of details, you will learn something new each time you read it. Get it.
Dr.Wu is the author of three previous books regarding the importance of lab tests as a tool for solving mysteries.He has provided his readers with a different approach and emphasis in Performance Enhancing Drugs and Adulterants: The Hidden Assassin II.This is collection of stories;some taken from the headlines, some from history, and some from the imagination of the author.The topic, contained in the title, engages the reader immediately with the clinical insights of Dr.Wu.In the world of today, each of us needs to be aware of the damage and dangers the seductive appeal of drugs has for some of our population.As a parent, I would make sure my young athlete would have the opportunity to read this book.Each story encourages discussion.Don't miss reading this book.
Wu has an ability to capture the complex web of relationships that happen in real life and help the reader understand how the people next door become the focus of forensic science and clinical toxicology investigation. You become engaged in the dramatic human situations and also gain keen insights into how these medical detectives go about identifying the truth in situations that would go unsolved in other places and times. Definitely his best to date...
