Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing in Ambulatory Care: A Guide for Health Care Professionals

Laboratory Testing for Ambulatory Settings is designed to provide students with a complete understanding of the most common procedures and techniques of all the new CLIA waived, point-of-care tests, and some moderately complex tests as they apply to the ambulatory care setting. Each chapter presents a consistent 'triad' organization by first focusing on the fundamental concepts, followed by the application of these concepts to the CLIA waived procedures, and then concluding with an application of advanced concepts to stimulate thinking. Procedure boxes are integrated throughout with step-by-step instructions and reinforced with numerous full color photos or illustrations. Throughout the text, there is also a strong emphasis placed on safety and government compliance. Comprehensive coverage of the most common CLIA waived tests prepares healthcare professionals for lab testing in the ambulatory setting. A triad organization gives chapters a consistent, easy-to-follow format, with 1) fundamental concepts, 2) step-by-step instructions for CLIA waived procedures, and 3) advanced concepts that lead to a higher level of critical thinking and decision making. A full-color atlas section shows common laboratory and diagnostic findings, including depictions of cells, casts, and crystals. Learning objectives begin each chapter with goals for what you should accomplish, serve as checkpoints for comprehension and skills mastery, and provide a study tool in preparation for examinations. Procedure boxes provide step-by-step instructions and full-color photos and illustrations for today's commonly requested CLIA waived lab tests. Key terms are listed and defined at the beginning of each chapter, as well as included in the book's glossary. Common abbreviations and acronyms associated with CLIA waived testing are listed and defined at the beginning of each chapter. Review questions at the end of each chapter ask you to recall and assimilate the information you've learned. A workbook matches the chapters in the textbook, offering activities and exercises to reinforce laboratory concepts, terminology, and procedures. Sold separately. Expert author Marti Garrels brings years of on-the-job experience, an advanced MSA degree, dual degrees in medical technology and medical assisting, and classroom experience as an instructor and as a medical assisting program director. References at the end of each chapter cite related websites for further reading and research. An Evolve companion website includes various activities and exercises to enhance learning with problem-solving scenarios. NEW illustrations and photographs showcase new technology and the performance of lab testing tasks. NEW! Electrocardiography and Spirometry chapter focuses on the role of the medical assistant and the lab technician in these diagnostic tests. NEW content updates the text with a focus on new technology and significant advances made in recent years, including the latest CLIA waived test methods.