Diagnostic Molecular Pathology

Mark A. Jandreski

This is a new book that contains procedures for the analysis of pathological processes involving nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in situ (volume 1) or with material extracted from cells or tissues (volume 2). The purpose of this book is to ""present a comprehensive view of most techniques used in diagnostic molecular pathologytheir applications and limitations."" This is a worthy objectivebecause many of the molecular biological techniques developed during the last 15 years are finding their way into the clinical laboratory; a procedural guide focused on their application is indeed timely and needed. The book meets many of the goals set forth by the authors; howeverit falls short in someareas. More deta ils on fluorescence in situ hybridization and an additional section on gene rearrangement analysis with lymphoma and leukemia samples would have been helpful. "" The authors aim the book toward the novice and the experienced investigator. I believe that the book is geared toward someone who has a great deal of familiarity and experience in pathology. The book contains many well-written procedures and details that could be of use only to a seasoned pathologist or a pathology resident under the guidance of an experienced pathologist, not to a novice such as a medical student. The book contains many pertinent and high-quality illustrations. Pathology is a very visual field, and a few more photographs would have been helpful. The references are current and pertinent. The table of contents is laid out very well, and the book has a good index. Readers will find the step-by-step protocols of value. The overall appearance of the book is appealing. This book is well written by several experiencedauthorities from around the world. Clinical laboratorians will find this book a welcome addition to the other molecular biology guides and manuals available, because it contains an unique pathology perspective. University medical centers and community hospital libraries should carry this book.

From The Critics

Reviewer:Mark A. Jandreski, PhD(Loyola University Medical Center)
Description:This is a new book that contains procedures for the analysis of pathological processes involving nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in situ (volume 1) or with material extracted from cells or tissues (volume 2).
Purpose:The purpose of this book is to "present a comprehensive view of most techniques used in diagnostic molecular pathologytheir applications and limitations." This is a worthy objectivebecause many of the molecular biological techniques developed during the last 15 years are finding their way into the clinical laboratory; a procedural guide focused on their application is indeed timely and needed. The book meets many of the goals set forth by the authors; howeverit falls short in someareas. More deta ils on fluorescence in situ hybridization and an additional section on gene rearrangement analysis with lymphoma and leukemia samples would have been helpful. "
Audience:The authors aim the book toward the novice and the experienced investigator. I believe that the book is geared toward someone who has a great deal of familiarity and experience in pathology. The book contains many well-written procedures and details that could be of use only to a seasoned pathologist or a pathology resident under the guidance of an experienced pathologist, not to a novice such as a medical student.
Features:The book contains many pertinent and high-quality illustrations. Pathology is a very visual field, and a few more photographs would have been helpful. The references are current and pertinent. The table of contents is laid out very well, and the book has agood index. Readers will find the step-by-step protocols of value. The overall appearance of the book is appealing.
Assessment:This book is well written by several experienced authorities from around the world. Clinical laboratorians will find this book a welcome addition to the other molecular biology guides and manuals available, because it contains an unique pathology perspective. University medical centers and community hospital libraries should carry this book.

3 Stars from Doody