Peter Rae is Consultant Clinical Biochemist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and Honorary Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, UK.

Mike Crane is Consultant Clinical Scientist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Royal Hospital for Sick Children, and Honorary Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, UK.

Rebecca Pattenden is Consultant Clinical Scientist at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.

Preface, vi
List of abbreviations, vii
About the companion website, x
1 Requesting and interpreting tests, 1
2 Disturbances of water, sodium and potassium balance, 12
3 Acid-base balance and oxygen transport, 30
4 Renal disease, 43
5 Disorders of calcium, phosphate and magnesium metabolism, 60
6 Diabetes mellitus and hypoglycaemia, 77
7 Disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary, 91
8 Abnormalities of thyroid function, 105
9 Disorders of the adrenal cortex and medulla, 121
10 Investigation of gonadal function infertility, menstrual irregularities and hirsutism, 139
11 Pregnancy and antenatal screening, 158
12 Cardiovascular disorders, 167
13 Liver disease, 183
14 Gastrointestinal tract disease, 198
15 Nutrition, 208
16 Inflammation, immunity and paraproteinaemia, 224
17 Malignancy and tumour markers, 234
18 Disorders of iron and porphyrin metabolism, 241
19 Uric acid, gout and purine metabolism, 252
20 Central nervous system and cerebrospinal fluid, 259
21 Therapeutic drug monitoring and chemical toxicology, 263
22 Clinical biochemistry in paediatrics and the elderly, 276
Index, 29

Clinical Biochemistry Lecture Notes presents the fundamental science behind common biochemical investigations used in clinical practice. Taking a system-based approach, it explores the underlying physiological rationale for tests, with each test explained within the context of disruption by disease. It also explores the value and limitations of biochemical investigations, while helping readers to quickly develop the knowledge and skills required to select the appropriate investigations for diagnosis and management, and to correctly interpret test results. Case studies throughout chapters place the information within a clinical context to further assist readers in the development of test-selection and interpretation skills.
Key features include:
* A comprehensive, yet concise overview of the science behind common biochemical investigations
* Helps readers rapidly acquire a fully integrated, practical understanding of biochemical diagnostics
* Full-colour flowcharts and algorithms detailing the rationale for tests, the biochemical processes involved, and test procedures, for quick comprehension and reference
* More clinical cases demonstrating application to practice
Now in its tenth edition, this classic introductory, reference, and revision text is indispensable to medical students, and all those who want to quickly acquire a practical understanding of the scientific principles underpinning biochemical tests and a working knowledge of test selection, test procedures, and the interpretation of results within a clinical context.