This third updated edition contains the latest developments in analytical techniques and is now supplemented by a special edition of the CD 'The Quality of Diagnostic Samples' including WHO regulations and recommendations to assure quality of diagnostic samples.
The CD compiles the findings described in the literature and those obtained in practice on the use of anticoagulants and provides a list of analytes containing the available data on reference intervals, biological half-life times, stability and influence and interference factors.
In this book an international team of authors summarizes the information on biological influences, analytical interferences and on the variables affecting the collection, transport and storage as well as preparation of samples. They cover age, gender, race, pregnancy, diet, exercise and altitude, plus the effects of stimulants and drugs. National and international standards are described for sampling procedures, transport, sample identification and all safety aspects, while quality assurance procedures are shown for total laboratory management.
In addition, the authors provide a glossary as well as a separate list of analytes containing the available data on reference intervals, biological half-life times, stability and influence and interference factors. For everyone involved in patient care and using or performing laboratory tests.

Prof. Dr. Walter G. Guder
Until January 2003 Prof. Dr. Guder was Professor of Clinical Chemistry at the Ludwig-Maximillians-University of Munich and Director of the Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bogenhausen Community Hospital Munich. He studied Medicine at Cologne, Tubingen and Munich.
Prof. Dr. Guder served as President of the German Society of Clinical Chemistry and as Chairman of the Working Group of Preanalytical Quality.
Prof. Dr. Sheshadri Narayanan
Prof. Dr. Narayanan is Clinical Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Weill Medical College of Conell University, New York City.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry and is licensed to act as Clinical Laboratory Director in all areas (chemistry, hematology, coagulation, microbiology etc.) in the States of New York and New Jersey.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Hermann Wisser
Until 2002 Prof. Dr. Dr. Wisser MD, PhD, was Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Stuttgart. He was Director of the Institute of Clinical Chemistry of the faculty of Clinical Medicine Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Wisser has served as President of the German Society of Clinical Chemistry and is honorary member in various societies of clinical chemistry.
Dr. Bernd Zawta
Dr. Zawta is Head of the Department of Scientific Customer Support and Public Relations of Roche Diagnosis GmbH. He studied chemistry at the Technical University, Dresden, where his doctoral thesis was on "The chromatography of steroid hormones".
Dr. Zawta served as WHO consultant in Mangolia in 1985.