Page 19 - parasitology for medical and clinical laboratoryprofessionals

PREFACE xvii

and control of them, will do a great deal to eliminate the used to quickly identify potential parasitic infections
impact of the scourge of parasitic infections, if not to elim- formed the basics of the author’s initial exposure to
inate some of them entirely, as is being pursued for the the effects of parasitic infections. Basic pictures used
guinea worm. The first 11 chapters are written to provide for comparison gave clues for identification of the most
a good background of information related to the origins common ova (eggs) and parasites, but the inability to
of parasites and the damages they may cause. Each have any control over proper collection of specimens and
major group of parasites described in this book is based expert consultation left much to be desired. But it was
on body sites that certain organisms predominantly in- easy to see that many rudimentary laboratory procedures
fect. Most major genera and species are presented in the were extremely vital to the welfare of the troops, and
first 11 chapters, and Chapter 12 is designed to present this whetted a desire to learn more. The field procedures
the methodology for recovering parasitic organisms from included many diagnostic tests that were performed
body wastes and secretions, and identifying them. Com- outside a building, sometimes in a tent, and with little
plete procedures for concentrating organisms, removing equipment. But these initial and basic tests were often as
debris, and proper preparation of slides for microscopic or more important than those without medical facilities
evalulation are presented in Chapter 12. than those performed in modern labs, providing quick
diagnoses and treatment.
Upon entering the teaching profession in 1992, the
ANCILLARY MATERIALS author found his niche, with 15 years of experience as an
ASCP-registered medical technologist in both hospitals
The Instructor’s Manual includes answers to all of the re-
and starting a small private commercial laboratory. After
view questions from the text as well as suggested answers
to the case studies. A midterm and final exam have been a few years of educating students by teaching academic
science courses as well as starting two MLT/CLT pro-
provided in the manual, as well as the answers to both
exams. The manual opens with sample course syllabus grams, Dr. Ridley determined that any student for any
health care program needed certain basic core knowl-
and also includes a sample schedule for a one-semester,
15-week course. edge in a variety of areas prior to entering or concurrent
with the beginning of the medical laboratory program.
It was this belief that led to the writing of this book. His
ABOUT THE AUTHOR wide experience as a medical technologist and with the
added skills from the nursing arena and human services
John W. Ridley received a B.S. in zoology and a master’s subjects lend a unique blend in the composition and
of education at the University of Georgia. A Ph.D. in writing style for this book.
health and human services, with an emphasis in psychol-
ogy, and becoming a registered nurse in 1992 completed
his formal education, but not his practical education. REVIEWERS
During his tenure as a full-time student, he worked in a
hospital laboratory as a laboratory technician, educated Tobi L. Camilli BS, ASCP(M)
and trained during the Vietnam conflict in basic medical Adjunct Professor
laboratory procedures at Brooke Army Medical Center, University of New Mexico, Gallup Branch
Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. The U.S. Army did not require Gallup, NM
that laboratory technicians be registered during this pe-
Mildred K. Fuller, Ph.D., MT(ASCP)
riod, but the author was qualified by education and expe- CLS Interim Vice Provost/Dean–Undergraduate and
rience and did sit for the ASCP registry examination soon
Graduate Studies
after entering the civilian sector. Experiences that have in- Norfolk State University
fluenced the writing of this book stemmed from military
Norfolk, VA
stints as a combat medic and experiences related to civil-
ians and soldiers who contracted a host of parasites. Barbara Wenger, MS, MT(ASCP)
Many of the military service member victims Allied Health Distance Education Coordinator
suffered from multiple infections that robbed them of Manhattan Area Technical College
their strength and vitality. Basic field tests commonly Manhattan, KS