Media Review

Urinalysis and Body Fluids, 6th Edition

Written by Susan King Strasinger, DA MTASCP), and Marjorie Schaub Di Lorenzo, MT(ASCP)SH
336 pages. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company, 2014. $64.95. ISBN: 9780803639201.

Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article-abstract/46/2/e38/2505126 by guest on 30 June 2019

I find the textbook Urinalysis
and Body Fluids to be well
written and of excellent quality.
The format of each chapter
is clear, concise, and easy to
follow. The strengths of each
chapter are the understandable
learning objectives, key terms,
case studies, clinical situations
depicted, and technical tips.
The historical note with added interesting facts given is
a nice touch. Highlighting the key words within the text
of the chapter is very helpful for students as a review of
important points therein. Summary tables are extensive
and include important information; this feature is also
helpful for students in that it familiarizes them with
significant facts. Review questions at the end of each
chapter are useful in reinforcing the chapter material. The
illustrations and images are of excellent quality: they are
a nice size and are labeled clearly. Also, the use of arrows
pointing to specific sediment constitutions within the
images is beneficial.
The division of the textbook into 3 main parts is helpful
for finding information quickly. The organized divisions
Part I: Background, Part II: Urinalysis, and Part III: Other
Body Fluids make use of a consistent format that flows
smoothly from topic to topic. As with many textbooks,
more images and more unusual images would enhance
the urinalysis microscopic section.
One drawback to the book is that the appendix of body-
fluid analysis by automation should instead be presented
as a chapter. Because automation plays a large role in
laboratory testing, images of the microscopic evaluation
performed via automated processes would make this
section complete. Cells, crystals, and casts look different
when classified by automated processes, compared with
their appearance under the microscope.
Medical laboratory scientists, physician assistants, nurse
practitioners, educators, and students would benefit from
Urinalysis and Body Fluids. As an educator, I believe that
this textbook is comprehensive, thorough, and would be
excellent for adapting into a course of study.

DOI: 10.1309/LMZE9PXB0A1OJLHD

Reviewer
Kathleen Finnegan MS MT(ASCP)SHCM
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

*To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Kathleen.finnegan@stoneybrook.edu

e38  Lab Medicine  Spring 2015  |  Volume 46, Number 2 www.labmedicine.com