Understanding laboratory values. Compact guide

"Maria Lohmann: 'Understanding laboratory values' describes the relevance of laboratory tests in a clear and understandable way. The reader can quickly orientate themselves using tables and frequently measured laboratory parameters. The foreword mentions something particularly important: 'Laboratory tests are by no means a substitute for a doctor's consultation, but rather help to improve the dialogue between doctor and patient.' This book belongs in the hands of every patient who wants to understand what is happening in their body and who wants to actively work on their health. Knowing the meaning and background of laboratory findings can take away the fear of the next visit to the doctor and at the same time strengthen awareness of one's own responsibility for maintaining health."
Health Foundation, 29.9.2014

"It helps (...) in the case of treatment with easily understandable explanations to better understand the "medical jargon" and to be able to form your own opinion about the test results. What blood values ​​​​indicate, what medical terms mean, how laboratory values ​​​​are to be classified and what you can test yourself, all of this can be found compactly - printed on environmentally friendly recycled paper - between two book covers. Practical!"
Health & Wellbeing (Die RHEINPFALZ), Sept. 2014

"With this little guide, Ms Lohmann manages to shed light on the laboratory jungle in a friendly way. It is therefore suitable as a reference work for patients and therapists. Her critical attitude towards the "normal value" is also worth mentioning."
LACHESIS, Heike Brunner, November 2016

What this book offers

This little companion will help you to get to know your body better. Below you will find an annotated table of contents for the guidebook "Understanding Laboratory Values" by Maria Lohmann.

The Blood (from page 8)
Doctors can identify the majority of all diseases in the complete and partial blood count. This chapter of the book deals with the components of the blood and the diagnostic options.

Minerals and trace elements (from page 33)
Together with vitamins, minerals are essential for the functioning of cells, bone formation, salt and water balance, nervous system, muscles and blood clotting. Trace elements such as iron and zinc also play a key role in the body, despite small amounts.

Vitamins (from page 49)
Vitamins are important for us humans, but the body cannot produce them itself (except for vitamin K and folic acid). We have to get them through food.

The hormone system (from page 54)
Hormones are responsible for controlling body functions. They influence processes in the organism, such as metabolism, growth and reproduction. They are even responsible for water balance and mental well-being.

The immune system (from page 63)
The immune system is responsible for keeping foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and other pathogens at bay and protecting the body from harmful influences.

Metabolism (from page 68)
Nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates and proteins are necessary for metabolism. These nutrients are responsible for building cells and producing energy. Metabolic disorders have enormous effects on health.

Physical disorders or organ diseases (from page 87)
Laboratory tests are important diagnostic tools for physical illnesses that affect organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, etc. In addition to blood tests, urine and stool samples are also particularly important.

At a glance (from page 139)
This book chapter finally provides all the information in a nutshell: the most important laboratory values ​​at a glance, an overview of the basic laboratory program as well as units of measurement and weights.

"Understanding laboratory values" – a valuable aid in discussions with your doctor and for your health!