The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests [Hardcover]

Barry L. Zaret (Editor), Peter I. Jatlow (Editor), Lee D. Katz (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1997

In this era of rapidly changing medical practice, it's more important than ever to have objective, reliable sources of medical information. This is especially critical in the area of diagnostic tests -- the fastest-growing and most costly aspect of modern medicine. Are you unaware of tests and procedures that might save your life? Or are you undergoing a test unnecessarily? How do you know? Whom do you ask? Now, from one of the nation's highly acclaimed medical schools, comes the most complete, authoritative, and practical book for the general public on diagnostic tests and procedures. Every day, tens of thousands of Americans undergo medical tests -- everything from routine cancer screening and blood tests to the most advanced imaging scans and endoscopic examinations. All too often, patients have no idea what to expect. This book answers the questions that patients are afraid or reluctant to ask: Will it hurt? How long will it take? Who will be in charge? Are there any risks? What do the results mean? What's the next step? Each of the 29 chapters in this essential book is written by a Yale faculty member who is an authority in the area. Hundreds of the most commonly performed diagnostic tests are described in clear, understandable language and presented in concise, easy-to-follow charts. Many sections are illustrated. There's also practical advice from the doctors, nurses, and technicians who administer the tests. You'll learn what you should and should not do before the procedure and what factors may alter the results. In addition to diagnostic studies ordered or performed by doctors, this book covers test you can do at home. Some of these, such as home blood sugar (glucose) monitoring for diabetes and self-checking of blood pressure, help patients achieve better control over life-threatening diseases. This book belongs in every home health library. In it you'll find the information you need to become a more informed partner with your doctor in maintaining your own health and that of every member of your family.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Diagnostic tests are among the fastest-growing and most costly aspects of modern medicine. To help educate the healthcare consumer, medical experts from the Yale Medical School have compiled this comprehensive guide to medical tests, with some general information related to patient rights and informed consent, screening tests, and an overview of diagnostic tests. The bulk of the book includes hundreds of the most commonly performed diagnostic tests described in clear, understandable terms with easy-to-follow charts. Information about the tests includes alternate names, purpose, how the test works, preparation, test procedure, variations, post-test implications, interpretation, advantages and disadvantages, and the next step or follow-up. This excellent resource is recommended for all consumer healthcare collections, where it will serve as a more readable resource than more specialized guides such as Jacques Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: A Synopsis of Laboratory Medicine (Lippincott-Raven, 1996. 6th ed.)?James Swanton, Harlem Hosp. Lib., New York
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Barry L. Zaret, M.D., is the Robert W. Berliner Professor of Medicine, chief of cardiology, and associate chair for clinical affairs, Department of Internal Medicine.

Peter I. Jatlow, M.D., is professor and chairman of laboratory medicine.

Lee D. Katz, M.D., is associate professor of radiology and director of diagnostic imaging.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395765366
• ISBN-13: 978-0395765364
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.5 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,416,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)