"The current edition continues the tradition of partnership between laboratory examinations and the formulation and confirmation of clinical diagnoses followed by monitoring of body functions, therapeutic drug levels, other results of medical treatments, and risk assessment for disease. Covers the organization, purposes, and practices of analysis, interpretation of results, and management of the clinical laboratory from quality control through informatics and finances. Presents laboratory examinations according to organ systems and their disorders. Some of the most commonly ordered laboratory tests are directed at the evaluation of renal function, water, electrolytes, metabolic intermediates and nitrogenous wastes, and acid-base balance, all of which are critically important for monitoring acutely ill patients and in the management of patients with kidney and pulmonary disorder. Provide a clear and useful account of laboratory tests that generate the solid scientific information upon which medical decisions are based"