The Hidden Assassin: When Clinical Lab Tests Go Awry

by Alan H.B. Wu

The Hidden When Clinical Lab Tests Go Awry is an anthology about ordinary people’s encounters with clinical lab testing. Something innocent like a blood glucose test can kill or the finding of a chemical in blood can uncover a terrorist plot. Lab tests are also essential for determining the health of an unborn child. Genetic testing can now be used to determine if you are predisposed to get cancer or suffer a fatal side effect to a medication. We can determine if someone has suffered a heart attack or more importantly predict who will get one in the near future. The stories are based on true events. Because of patient privacy laws, the names and places have been changed. Reading this book might help you avoid the bad outcomes that happened to these people.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2014

Reviews

[Huzzah · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll never take lab techs for granted again!

Fascinating platform to illustrate the importance of lab tests and their accurate interpretation. The stories suck you in; they're interesting in themselves and remind you that the slightest error or a moment of forgetfulness could affect the rest of your life...or end it. Quick read.

[Dawn Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes some interesting case histories, including some what-ifs towards the end. It really highlights the importance of the clinical lab. The writing style was short choppy sentences. This was probably designed to make it easier to read for the younger and/or unscientific reader but I found it to be aggravating at times.

[Lloyd F Kautz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technical processes told in layman's terms.

Very interesting and easy to read. Each chapter is short, yet includes enough information that you understand what is happening and leads you to the conclusion. The summary of what was learned in each chapter is especially interesting. The short interesting chapters make it an excellent "Bathroom Book".

[Linsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't too thrilled about the made up case that was included.
As a lab scientist, I wanted to read real cases about lives being saved or lost because of the lab.
I did learn a few things, which was good.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is a well respected pathologist . The case studies were interesting, but the writing was choppy. The technical information will probably be appreciated only by lab personnel, chemistry majors, or those in the medical field.

[Michelle Chromy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories but lots of grammar errors

As a lab technician myself, I found some of these stories fascinating and am very inspired by the author's career. However, the book is filled with several grammatical and spelling errors! As a professional this shouldnt be, but I understand it was not the focus of the book. Just want us medical technologists to look our best so that we are trusted by our patients and doctors in the healthcare field!