Principles of Clinical Laboratory Utilization and Consultation

This new book helps laboratory managers and practitioners understand and implement ways to achieve cost effective, value added services that meet the managed care , and medical necessity challenges of todays health care environment. It also provides a foundation for educators in designing and delivering course content dealing with these important issues. Well-known experts provide detailed advice on achieving the cost effective utilisation of laboratory recourses and the enhancement of diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. They guide readers in integrating clinical and laboratory data across laboratory discipline while considering the relevant technical, scientific, and cost parameters.

No other book on the market addresses these issues from the standpoint of the laboratorian.

Introductory chapters address rationales and practical implementation strategies for improved clinical laboratory resource utilisation, as well as the skills needed to develop and apply a consultationapproach to laboratory management.

Success stories illustrate ways in which laboratory manages have implemented cost effective laboratory resource utilisation programs and provide examples of the extraordinary cost savings and physician/laboratory collaboration that occur.

Clinical chapters are organised by body system for ease of reference. The structure of these chapters parallels a physicians approach to medical problem-solvinghelping clinical laboratory personnel to better understand and meet physicians needs. Each disorder is discussed in terms of aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations/syndromes, diagnostic testing strategies, and appropriate treatment and their effects on lab results and further test choice.

Abundant flow charts, tables, and algorithms clarify various tests selection, use, interpretation, and value.

Case studies demonstrate the application of each chapters content within the context of realistic situations.