Book excerpt: For elementary, intermediate, and advanced clinical mathematics instruction in programs in medical/clinical laboratory science, from the associate's level through the bachelor's and master's level, through the new doctorate in clinical laboratory science ("DCLS"). Also for wide audiences of pathologists, pathology residents, medical students, nurses, pharmacists, biochemists, biomedical engineers, physician assistants, and analytical chemists. This accessible text brings together mathematical techniques that will be indispensable to every student, teacher, practitioner, and user of chemistry- or biology-related laboratory work. Responding to the concerns of both instructors and students, CLINICAL LABORATORY MATHEMATICS begins with a review of arithmetic and algebra. Next, it presents example-rich chapters on exponential notation and logarithms, rounding and figure significance, measurement systems, solutions and concentrations, dilutions, proportionality, graphs, rates of change, statistics, chemistry, quality control, and method evaluation. It answers frequently asked questions, identifies common misunderstandings, and offers an optional advanced section online. Throughout, the author explains why a solid understanding of math is critical in today's high-technology clinical laboratories. Practice problems are strategically designed to present real-world scenarios with both context and consequence. Supporting both self-guided study and traditional lecture-discussion, the text is logically organized and liberally cross-referenced, revealing hidden connections and common motifs.