Book excerpt: Biomedical scientists are the foundation of modern healthcare, from cancer screening to diagnosing HIV, from blood transfusion for surgery to food poisoning and infection control. Without biomedical scientists, the diagnosis of disease, the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment, and research into the causes and cures of disease would not be possible. The Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series has been written to reflect the challenges of practicing biomedical science today. It draws together essential basic science with insights into laboratory practice to show how an understanding of the biology of disease is coupled to the analytical approaches that lead to diagnosis. Assuming only a minimum of prior knowledge, the series reviews the full range of disciplines to which a Biomedical Scientist may be exposed - from microbiology to cytopathology to transfusion science. A core text in the Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series, Biomedical Science Practice gives a comprehensive overview of the key laboratory techniques and professional skills that students need to master. The text is supported throughout with engaging clinical case studies, written to emphasize the link between theory and practice, providing a strong foundation for beginning biomedical science students.