Handbook of Clinical Laboratory Testing During Pregnancy

Although a pregnant woman undergoes a multitude of physiological adaptations that profoundly change her biochemical and biophysical characteristics and is also subject to a variety of pregnancy-specific diseases, until now no comprehensive text was available that focused exclusively on clinical laboratory testing during pregnancy. In the Handbook of Clinical Laboratory Testing During Pregnancy, practicing specialists in pathology, laboratory medicine, and obstetrics comprehensively summarize the latest scientific findings and their experiences in the use and interpretation of laboratory testing in patients who are pregnant or experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. Topics of interest include the effects of normal physiological changes on test results, test selection for diagnosis, changes in reference ranges, monitoring the pregnant patient, new technologies, and the limitations of laboratory testing. The authors not only clearly explain currently used test methods and technologies for the nontechnical reader, but also provide comprehensive practical details for laboratory professionals. Beyond clinical chemistry, additional disciplines covered include molecular biology, serology, immunology, hematology, endocrinology, and microbiology, in addition to help in the evaluation of numerous pathological states. The comprehensive appendix that compiles published normal reference ranges by first, second, and third trimester constitutes an excellent resource for professionals caring for pregnant women. Multidisciplinary and highly practical, the Handbook of Clinical Laboratory Testing During Pregnancy offers laboratory physicians, obstetricians, nurses, midwives, and pediatricians a gold-standard reference source and guide to the optimal use and interpretation of clinical laboratory testing during pregnancy today.