Not another textbook, but a valuable tool for doctors and microbiologists wanting to know how to set up a PCR diagnostic microbiology laboratory according to current regulatory standards and perform assays supplied with patient clinical diagnostic criteria and easy to follow protocols. Whether laboratories are using commercial kits or in-house methods developed in their own laboratories or adopted from published methods, all clinical microbiology laboratories need to be able to understand, critically evaluate, perform and interpret these tests according to rigorous and clinically appropriate standards and international guidelines. The cost and effort of development and evaluation of in-house tests is considerable and many laboratories do not have the resources to do so. This compendium is a vehicle to improve and maintain the clinical relevance and high quality of diagnostic PCR. It is a unique collection of; guidelines for PCR laboratory set up and quality control, test selection criteria, methods and detailed step by step protocols for a diagnostic assays in the field of molecular microbiology. The structure of the book provides the PCR fundamentals and describes the clinical aspects and diagnosis of infectious disease. This is followed by protocols divided into; bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites, and susceptibility screens. The inclusion of medical criteria and interpretation adds value to the compendium and benefits clinicians, scientists, researchers and students of clinical diagnostic microbiology

The concept of improving the use of electromagnetic energy to achieve a variety of qualitative and quantitative spectroscopic measurements on solid and liquid materials has been proliferating at a rapid rate. The use of such technologies to measure chemical composition, appearance, for classification, and to achieve detailed understanding of material interactions has prompted a dramatic expansion in the use and development of spectroscopic techniques over a variety of academic and commercial fields.The Concise Handbook of Analytical Spectroscopy is integrated into 5 volumes, each covering the theory, instrumentation, sampling methods, experimental design, and data analysis techniques, as well as essential reference tables, figures, and spectra for each spectroscopic region. The detailed practical aspects of applying spectroscopic tools for many of the most exciting and current applications are covered. Featured applications include: medical, biomedical, optical, physics, common commercial analysis methods, spectroscopic quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods.This multi-volume handbook is designed specifically as a reference tool for students, commercial development and quality scientists, and researchers or technologists in a variety of measurement endeavours.Number of Illustrations and Tables: 393 b/w illus., 304 colour illus, 413 tables.Related Link(s)

The Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, 6th Edition provides the most current and authoritative guidance on selecting, performing, and evaluating the results of new and established laboratory tests. This classic clinical chemistry reference offers encyclopedic coverage detailing everything you need to know, including: analytical criteria for the medical usefulness of laboratory tests, variables that affect tests and results, laboratory medicine, applications of statistical methods, and most importantly clinical utility and interpretation of laboratory tests. It is THE definitive reference in clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics, now fully searchable and with quarterly content updates, podcasts, clinical cases, animations, and extended content online through Expert Consult. - Analytical criteria focus on the medical usefulness of laboratory procedures. - Reference ranges show new approaches for establishing these ranges — and provide the latest information on this topic. - Lab management and costs gives students and chemists the practical information they need to assess costs, allowing them to do their job more efficiently and effectively. - Statistical methods coverage provides you with information critical to the practice of clinical chemistry. - Internationally recognized chapter authors are considered among the best in their field. - Two-color design highlights important features, illustrations, and content to help you find information easier and faster. - NEW! Internationally recognized chapter authors are considered among the best in their field. - NEW! Expert Consult features fully searchable text, quarterly content updates, clinical case studies, animations, podcasts, atlases, biochemical calculations, multiple-choice questions, links to Medline, an image collection, and audio interviews. You will now enjoy an online version making utility of this book even greater. - UPDATED! Expanded Molecular Diagnostics section with 12 chapters that focus on emerging issues and techniques in the rapidly evolving and important field of molecular diagnostics and genetics ensures this text is on the cutting edge and of the most value. - NEW! Comprehensive list of Reference Intervals for children and adults with graphic displays developed using contemporary instrumentation. - NEW! Standard and international units of measure make this text appropriate for any user — anywhere in the world. - NEW! 22 new chapters that focus on applications of mass spectrometry, hematology, transfusion medicine, microbiology, biobanking, biomarker utility in the pharmaceutical industry and more! - NEW! Expert senior editors, Nader Rifai, Carl Wittwer and Rita Horvath, bring fresh perspectives and help ensure the most current information is presented. - UPDATED! Thoroughly revised and peer-reviewed chapters provide you with the most current information possible.