Eur J Haematol 2006: 77: 362 Ó 2006 The Author

doi:10.1111/j.1600-0609.2006.00717.x Journal compilation Ó 2006 Blackwell Munksgaard

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EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY

Book review

Dacie & Lewis: Practical Haematology logical parameters, procedures, morphology and
Lewis SM, Bain BJ & Bates I (eds). staining, biomedical investigations including diag-
Churchill Livingstone 2006, 736 pages. nostic radioisotopes and the basis of transfusion
ISBN-13: 978-0-443-06660-3 medicine. However, a chapter also this time deals
with analytical work in less-resourceful settings,
ISBN-10: 0-443-06660-4
explaining which tests can be performed less
expensively, but still reliably. Being a textbook of
Clinical work of haematology is fascinating – and is
Ôpractical haematologyÕ many chapters originates
based on hard work by colleagues, biomedical
from the clinical approach – abnormal haemoglo-
scientists and laboratory personnel meticulously
bin, haemostatsis or haemolysis etc. One chapter
using exact techniques. Progress in diagnosis,
deals with molecular and cytogenetic analysis and
treatment and safety for the patients in the ward
includes a separate dictionary in this subject. A few
is only possible by correct application of scientif-
routine parameters have been briefly commented –
ically based analysis.
whole blood viscosity for instance might perhaps
For >50 yr, the spirit of ÔDacie and LewisÕ has
have been more elaborated. Each chapter is
influenced the laboratory field of haematology. The
equipped with updated and revised reference lists
new edition is in the same format, but some 80
and international recommendations. Besides, some
pages longer than the 5-yr-old predecessor. This
references cautiously are made to internet sources.
new version of the classic textbook represents the
Subject headings in each chapter provides easy
10th edition which continues to describe the many
access to information.
standard and novel techniques by hands-on recipes,
The methodologically laboratory basis for clin-
from basic principles to perfectionism, including
ical haematology is an aspect not often covered in
comments and pictures of pitfalls and critical
medical textbooks in the specialty. The tenth ÔDacie
interpretation of results. The presentation is well-
and Lewis: Practical haematologyÕ sets an impres-
illustrated, and improved in number and in colour
sive record and continues to succeed to solve the
in some figures and in all tables, making the visual
task with an excellent standard. This combined
perception significantly better than in the last
manual and textbook is primarily a standard shelf-
edition. The pictures are technically optimal and
book for laboratory haematology and the staff in
complement the text in an excellent way. The tables
the lab. However, it may very well be used also by
are very detailed and flow-charts and decision trees
clinicians as a resourceful reference work regarding
represent standard principles. The 28 chapters are
analysis and critical and clinically relevant applica-
written by members of an international expert
tion of methods and interpretation of results.
panel lead by the editors. Therefore, the different
contributions are consistent throughout the chap-
Ole Weis Bjerrum
ters forming a synthesis in the book. As Ôclinical
Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
haematologyÕ has moved forward so has Ôpractical
e-mail: o.w.bjerrum@rh.dk
haematologyÕ and the book gives state-of the art in
a specialised lab regarding analysis of haemato-

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