Algorithmic Selection and Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests; Collins RD. 716 pages. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1998. $35.00. ISBN 0683304267. Order phone 800-638-0672.
Field of medicine: Primary care.
Format: Softcover book.
Audience: Practicing clinicians and trainees.
Purpose: To help the clinician select and interpret diagnostic tests in a cost-efficient manner.
Content: Many diagnostic tests are described and are included in algorithms to allow evaluation of specific symptoms and confirmation of provisional diagnoses.
Highlights: The listing of available tests is comprehensive, and the discussion of each test is brief but instructive. Many of the algorithms are useful forming a diagnostic strategy.
Limitations: The text provides little help in choosing cost-effective strategies. Listings of test choices are not prioritized and may actually encourage unnecessary testing.
Related reading: Other books on diagnostic testing, such as Sox's Common Diagnostic Tests (American College of Physicians, 1990) and Ravel's Clinical Laboratory Medicine, 6th edition (Mosby-Year Book, 1995), are organized around specific clinical problems and provide more detailed information on, definitions of, and discussion about testing options. Collins's text is more useful as a quick reference; additional reading is required to find an answer to a clinical question.
Reviewer: Ruric Anderson, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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