Oxford Handbook of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation

This book fills an obvious gap in the Handbook series and, indeed, a major
lacuna in the medical literature. Too often investigations of a particular
condition are lost in the welter of other text. Alternatively, they appear as
specialist books in pathology and radiology. One unique feature of this book
is the inclusion of all clinical investigative techniques, i.e. both truly clinical
tests in the shape of symptoms and signs and then laboratory-based
investigations. This stops what is often an artificial separation. Each section
is clearly put together with the intent of easing rapid reference. This is
essential if the book is to have (and I believe it does have) real usefulness for
bedside medicine. There are many other useful aspects of the text. These
include a comprehensive list of abbreviations—the bugbear of medicine, as
well as reference ranges that some laboratories still do not append to results.
Overall, the Handbook should be of benefit to not just clinical students and
junior doctors in training, but all who have patient contact. With this in one
pocket, and Longmore in the other, there should be little excuse for errors in
diagnosis and investigation, with the added benefit that the balance between
the two will allow the upright posture to be maintained.