Mark HFL, editor:

Medical Cytogenetics, 680 pp, New York, Marcel Dekker, 2000 ($195.00).

This compendium of cytogenetics is primarily aimed at the 550 or so physicians, Ph.D.s, clinical molecular biologists, and genetic counselors planning to take the certifying examination given by the 24th primary specialty board of the American Board of Medical Specialties. It goes without saying that I have picked up these facts from Dr Mark’s book, which also contains everything else one might need if studying for the American Board of Medical Genetics. The book, however, will also be useful for residents in pathology, pediatrics, or internal medicine and for all others looking for a comprehensive coverage of this relatively young medical specialty.

The book consists of 20 chapters dealing with laboratory and clinical aspects of cytogenetics. Basic aspects of cytogenetics are systematically discussed, beginning with nomenclature, the nature of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities commonly encountered in practice, and current techniques used in the laboratories. Clinical problems that need cytogenetic work-up are presented in detail, and some are illustrated in black and white or color photographs. There are glossaries for readers less versed in cytogenetics. At the end, there is a chapter on standards for setting up a cytogenetics laboratory.

For those who do not know offhand the meaning of acronyms such as FISH, SKY, CGH, etc., this book is a godsend that should be on the reference shelf of their medical libraries. For those who want to use it as a textbook, the editor and his associates have prepared a set of study questions (included on the last 15 pages of the book). Professional cytogeneticists should have it handy for visitors or residents who are assigned to their laboratories for rotation. This is a truly multifunctional book that deserves to be made available to a wide range of readers.