This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables.
This book contains, for its size, a remarkably complete discussion of biochemical tests and procedures available for the study of disease states. Written primarily "as a practical guide rather than a reference book," details of laboratory methods and of the background material on which the applications and interpretations of biochemical procedures are based are not included. However, adequate reference to source materials is given.
The text is divided into 14 chapters, beginning with "Disturbances of Water and Sodium Metabolism," and ending with a short chapter on "Poisoning." Procedures not generally available in hospital laboratories are discussed, as well as those usually available. Uncritical acceptance of results of test procedures is discouraged; rather the author carefully approaches evaluation in relation to the clinical history and the condition of the patient. Useful tables containing data on the normal composition of blood, urine, and feces are included, and two indices, one of investigations