Blood Results in Clinical Practice

This book was written after feedback suggested that stories and analogies were very helpful to students wanting to remember blood tests and their implications. For this reason each section, where appropriate, contains an analogy, in addition to an overview of the relevant anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. The book links tests and conditions, and gives strategies for clinical practice using simple language.It will be useful as a supplementary text for those studying nursing, healthcare and medicine. It will also provide a quick-reference handbook for working healthcare professionals. Finally, it will provide a resource for patients and their relatives who may be keen to know more about the meaning and function of a particular blood test. Contents include:Understanding blood testsCase study: Interpreting abnormal resultsThe full blood count, anaemia and infectionCoagulation and deep vein thrombosisInflammatory markersAutoimmune conditionsTransfusion testingManagement of long-term conditions, chronic disease markers: DiabetesManagement of long-term conditions, chronic disease markers: CholesterolManagement of long-term conditions, chronic disease markers: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acid baseThyroid functionBone profileRenal function: Urea and electrolytes, and goutLiver function tests