The third edition of this popular pocket book, A Beginner’s Guide to Blood Cells written by Professor Barbara Bain, provides a concise introduction to normal and abnormal blood cells and blood counts for trainees in haematology.
Very comprehensive, and not a very easy read, to be honest, due to the extremely heavy use of jargon. Covers common blood disorders/conditions/symptoms (e.g. neutropenia, lymphocytosis, etc) and discusses possible causes as well, but doesn't mention cancer treatment (e.g. chemo) as a possible cause of said symptoms and whether this is should be cause for concern or not. Includes tables of "normal" blood count figures for Caucasian and Afro-American males & females, but not for Asians or other racial groups.
I just ended reading it, and already want to read it again! This is an excelent introduction to any newby in haematology (or - specially - lab medicine), starting at the very basics and then referring to the morphological and epidemiological peculiarities in each disease. Finally there is a short but useaful section meant for "Self Accessment", where Barbara challenges the reader to complete some exercises. It's really the best way to start! *****