Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology 8th Edition

Book Preface

For over 40 years, the Manual of Clinical Laboratory Immunology has been the leading reference source, both in the United States and abroad, to advance the field of laboratory immunology, to foster the best contemporary and most cutting-edge methodologies, and to translate basic immunologic principles into appropriate laboratory tests. Since the publication of the 7th edition of this Manual, remarkable progress has been made in the field of immunology, and these notable advancements have been reflected in the clinical immunology arena as well. The scope of clinical immunology is exceptionally broad and encompasses nearly every medical specialty, including such areas as transplantation, rheumatology, oncology, infectious disease, allergy, hematology, and neurology, to name a few. Because of its strategic position in the hospital setting, it is critical that the clinical immunology laboratory should have a guide to follow with regard to accurate and appropriate laboratory procedures. As the field of clinical immunology continues to expand, we look to the laboratory director as a key person to gather the new basic information and integrate it into useful clinical procedures as well as to serve as a pivotal contact for communication with the various disciplines. In addition to keeping abreast with the most updated testing systems, the goal for this Manual is that it must not only serve the needs of today’s clinical immunology laboratory but also look to the future, where even more dramatic progress in diagnosis and treatment can be anticipated.

In an effort to capture the new dimensions in this field and to reflect the continuous evolution of clinical immunology, significant changes have been introduced into the 8th edition of the Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology. Several sections of the Manual have been notably updated to reflect the latest laboratory approaches in molecular assays as well as the shift to automated testing, kit-based diagnostics, and new technical tools: themes that are carried throughout the book.

New chapters have been introduced to highlight these changes. For example, section D, Flow Cytometry, describes the latest applications of these techniques, such as polychromatic flow cytometry and mass cytometry; section F reviews fresh information on the clinical applications of cytokines and chemokines; the infectious disease sections H, I, and J include the newest strategies used in infectious disease diagnosis and treatment, including the HIV and syphilis algorithms; section K, Immunodeficiency Diseases, presents the recent newborn screening programs for severe combined immune deficiency; and section P, Transplantation Immunology, outlines the usefulness of next-generation sequencing in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratory.

Once again, this Manual is offered not just in print but also electronically as either an EPUB file or a PDF. This special feature will allow a larger audience to review and use the Manual.

As we produce the 8th edition of this Manual, it is appropriate to celebrate its success. Noel Rose, the Manual’s first Editor-in- Chief, has provided a foreword reflecting on how the field has changed over the past 5 decades.

Since the publication of this Manual is a joint effort of many dedicated individuals, I wish to acknowledge the outstanding commitment and invaluable support of our volume editors, section editors, and chapter authors, all of whom, as internationally renowned experts in their areas, have contributed their extraordinary experience, energy, and time to the success of this edition. Also, I would like to extend my appreciation to the ASM editorial staff, in particular Ellie Tupper, Senior Production Editor, and Christine Charlip, Director, ASM Press, who have provided their valuable experience and support to complete this edition.

BARBARA DETRICK, Ph.D.
Editor in Chief