Evidence Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

equations are, confusingly, introduced for the first time in the explanation of worked examples. Disappointingly, these are not emphasized in any way or related back to the basic theory covered in earlier chapters. These chapters also describe the use of historical equipment (refractometers and haematocytometers), but omit problems relating to current practice such as the calculation of fractional excretion of phosphate. Chapters 13 and 14 cover quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) in the clinical laboratory, from basic statistical concepts to use of QC material for monitoring assay performance with Levy–Jennings plots and Westguard rules. These are useful chapters but are unlikely to add anything which cannot be gleaned from practice reviewing one’s own laboratory internal QC and external QA data. The last chapter of the book is entitled ‘Instrument and Method Assessment’. This is a very basic and simplistic view, which lacks detail. The diagnostic value parameters of a test are incomplete. The chapter goes on to detail some statistical calculations of significance, linear regression, recovery, interference and correlation for method evaluation with very few practice examples. These topics are covered elsewhere in a better way. Trainees reading this review will want to know if this book will help them prepare for the FRCPath wet practical and calculations paper. The recurring theme of this book, which I agree with, is that to master mathematics for the clinical laboratory or otherwise, you need plenty of practice and repetition. The numerous examples provided within this book and on the e-learning website will give you plenty of opportunity to do just that. However, the book does omit important topics and will not prepare you for the style or complexity of question you will be expected to answer in the calculations paper. But if you are struggling with Deacon’s challenges, then this book will give you plenty of simpler examples to develop your mathematical skills before attempting those. So, time to dust off your calculators and get practising!