This is a fantastic book for pathology residents -- so much so that I'd even say it's essential for any resident looking to get a basic overview of how coag works in the lab (especially for those in a program where CP is mostly self-taught). Although $63 may seem relatively expensive for a 237 page small paperback book, I must say that this book has been worth every dollar. This book really gets to the point of how each common (and even some less common) assay works -- from the test principle to what reagents are added (a basic overview, NOT a tedious detailed cookbook of reagent concentrations and steps at the bench) to how to interpret results to pitfalls in assay results to the clinical context and what results mean for the patient and how clinician's should order tests. This book is very readable, well written, organized, and engaging (well, if you have at least a mild interest in CP that is). Whenever I received questions while on-call regarding coag results or what tests to order from other clinicians, I could almost always find the answer and explanation quickly just by looking in this book. Truly a great resource that I would recommend to all AP/CP or CP residents starting out. I am not yet at the point in my training where I have to take boards, so I can't speak on that aspect, but in terms of addressing practical day-to-day issues and general intro to coag, this book has been great.
I will be sure to thank Drs. Bennett, Lehman, Rodgers, Blaylock and Cat Thompson if I ever see them at any upcoming CAP, USCAP, or ASCP meetings.
