Let your fingers do the walking - From the editor - introduction of detailed index, updated reference charts - Editorial

Medical Laboratory Observer, August, 2003 by Carren Bersch

American author Anna C. Brackett once wrote, "Do not seek for information of which you cannot make use." With our distribution of the 30th edition of Clinical Laboratory Reference (CLR), we put vital new information at your fingertips in this convenient, compact format, as well as online: www.clronline.com. And we are certain you will make use of this valuable aide! Some 55,000 laboratory professionals recognize CLR as the industry's "yellow pages," the only complete resource guide for clinical laboratories. CLR represents the ongoing commitment of literally thousands of folks working in the industry to bring you the latest tools you require to efficiently and effectively serve your customers and patients.

CLR's detailed index is designed to make your search for tests, systems, equipment and services easy and quick. Its product information section introduces dozens of companies dedicated to providing you with high-quality, high-performance selections. CLR furnishes you with an array of choices from both major, as well as niche-market, players. It is no secret that clinical laboratories are experiencing a "crunch" in terms of personnel shortages. Transitioning to automation in order to improve performance under those circumstances, often amid the additional pressure of budget constraints, is less worrisome with CLR's decision-making framework.

Also included in CLR is a series of updated reference charts provided by a core of medical experts who donate their time and attention to this task to ensure that laboratorians have at hand the tables of Critical Limits (reviewed by Gerald J. Kost, MD, PhD), Reference Intervals (reviewed by Richard. M. Rocco, PhD); Critical Values for Therapeutic Drug Levels (revised by Jennifer Jordan, PharmD); and Cut-off and Toxicity Levels for Drugs-of-abuse Testing (reviewed by Robert H. Williams, PhD, DABCC, FACB, MT(ASCP)).

CLR additionally reflects the commitment of Nelson Publishing and its staff to continue providing this annual directory, as well as Medical Laboratory Observer magazine, for the clinical laboratorian. A special note of thanks goes to MLO's editorial assistant, Tana Sembiante, who single-handedly co-ordinated the data contained in this year's CLR. A debt of gratitude is owed to Nelson's production department, headed by Norma Machado--her highly focused staff once again finalized this project without a hitch. Another nod goes to Jeff McDaniel, our IT director, and his team who diligently manage to get this resource guide online. Of course, we also want to thank you, our readers, for your continuing interest in all things CLR and MLO.

So, make good use of this record in the coming months, and--while you use CLR--know that we welcome your comments and suggestions as to the ways in which we can improve this publication for you next year!

cbersch@nelsonpub.com