Here’s the practical introduction you need to understand the essential theoretical principles of clinical immunology and the serological and molecular techniques commonly used in the laboratory. You’ll begin with an introduction to the immune system; then explore basic immunologic procedures; examine immune disorders; and study the serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious disease. An easy-to-read, student-friendly approach emphasizes the direct application of theory to clinical laboratory practice. Each chapter is a complete learning module with learning outcomes, chapter outlines, theoretical principles, illustrations, and definitions of relevant terminology. Review questions and case studies help you assess your mastery of the material. A glossary at the end of the book puts must-know information at your fingertips. Common terms and phrases: acid activation adaptive addition agglutination allow amount antibody antigen assays associated autoimmune bacteria binding blood bone called cancer cause cells Chapter clinical complement complex components concentration contain cytokines cytoplasm deficiency detect determine diagnosis differentiation dilution directed discussed disease effects enzyme example expression factors FIGURE fluorescent function genes genetic human hypersensitivity identified immune response immune system immunoassays immunoglobulin important increased indicates individuals infection innate involved known labeled laboratory levels light lymphocytes macrophages major malignant markers mature measured membrane methods molecular molecules monoclonal multiple negative neutrophils normal occurs organism pathway patients peptide performed plasma positive present primary produce proteins RBCs reaction reagent receptors referred region release role sample sensitivity sequence serum signal skin specific specimen stage surface symptoms T-cell tissue transplantation treatment tumor usually WBCs