title: An introduction to the examination of specimens.
abstract: This paper is the first of a series describing how laboratory examination of specimens contributes to the diagnosis and monitoring of disease. It offers a brief introduction to each of the disciplines within pathology, along with a general consideration of normal range, units of measurement and specimen collection.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Higgins
mesh_terms: D000486:Allergy and Immunology; D001669:Biochemical Phenomena; D001671:Biochemistry; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D006405:Hematology; D006801:Humans; D008829:Microbiology; D010336:Pathology; D013048:Specimen Handling