The number of clinical applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique of molecular diagnostics has grown significantly in the years since the first edition this work due to advances such as real-time PCR and mass spectrometry, according to the editors (of the department of chemical pathology, Chinese U. of Hong Kong), who present 16 papers detailing step-by-step protocols describing some of these applications. Topics include DNA methylation analyses, in-cell PCR, analysis of PCR products by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, use of real-time PCR for the detection of fetal aneuploidies, molecular analysis of circulating RNA in plasma, detection and quantitation of circulating plasmodium falciparum DNA by PCR, and genomic sequencing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome- coronavirus. The protocols include discussion of the principles underlying the techniques, lists of necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and pitfalls. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)