Description

The information resources currently available to students are varied and numerous. However,
despite the widespread availability of electronic materials, the appeal of a book has not lessened.
This tangible tool remains popular, and with the ninth edition of this text and online extras, we
hope to fulfil all the requirements of those seeking an introduction to clinical chemistry. Please
do look at the electronic version for interactive diagrams and multiple-choice questions at varying
levels of complexity.
This book was originally written primarily for medical students. However, the utility of a succinct
review of the topic has been recognized by many disciplines, both clinical and scientific, and at all
stages of training. With the help of comments received from readers around the world, we hope that
we fulfil such varied requirements. Please do continue to provide us with your invaluable feedback
so that we can further improve the book in future editions.

Each chapter includes a summary of the basic biochemistry and physiology upon which under-
standing clinical biochemistry depends. The nature, choice, use and limitations of laboratory inves-
tigations naturally comprise the bulk of each chapter, but clinical biochemistry is only one part

of laboratory medicine, and laboratory tests comprise only one group among the many types of
investigation available to support diagnosis and management. Other investigations—for example
imaging—are mentioned and overviews of management options are provided; however, we stress
that this book is not, and is not intended to be, a textbook of metabolic medicine.
Maybe we should not be surprised by the considerable number and rate of developments since
the previous edition, but progress never ceases to amaze. In preparing this edition, there has been
significant movement of material between chapters as well as an update and deletion of obsolete

material, we hope in a logical manner. Throughout the text, there are new ‘red flag sections’ indi-
cated by an exclamation mark heading in their respective boxes to emphasise biochemical findings

that almost always indicate serious pathology.
We are fortunate enough to have a global readership, but when referring to best practice, UK
guidelines are primarily used. Such ‘local’ guidance is clearly highlighted, but it should be borne in
mind that population and service setup variations throughout the world may result in differences
between what is considered gold standard and what is practical to provide.
At Elsevier, we have been ably supported by Jeremy Bowes and his fantastic team whose patience
and professionalism have made the process a joy. Their cheerful encouragement and expertise have
been much appreciated. We are indebted to the designers, copyeditor and indexer whose work has
been essential to the production of the book.
At home, once again, Wendy (Marshall), Michèle (Day), Michael (Lapsley) and Alexa (Shipman)
have been unstinting in their support and encouragement. We thank