**Selected for 2026 Doody’s Core Titles in Laboratory Technology**

Gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the clinical lab! Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology, 7th Edition uses a reader-friendly “building-block” approach to help you learn the essentials of diagnostic microbiology. Featuring full-color drawings and photos, this text helps you learn to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to the accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases and the identification of infectious agents. Written by noted educators Connie R. Mahon and Donald C. Lehman, this edition adds new content on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, along with the latest information on prevention, treatment modalities, and CDC guidelines.

Building-block approach encourages you to use previously learned information in mastering new material
Full-color photographs and photomicrographs make it easier to understand and apply diagnostic microbiology concepts
Case studies describe clinical and laboratory findings, offering opportunities to correlate observations with possible etiologic agents and to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Hands-on procedures in the appendicesdescribe techniques used in the lab setting
Issues to Consider boxeslist important points to think about while reading the chapter
Case Checksin each chapter highlight specific points in the text and show how they connect to case studies
Bolded key terms with abbreviations are listedat the beginning of each chapter, showing the most important and relevant terms in each chapter
Learning Objectives at the beginning of each chapter supply you with a measurable learning outcome to achieve by completing the material
Points to Remember sections at the end of each chapter provide a bulleted list of key concepts
Learning Assessment Questionsat the conclusion of each chapter help you to think critically and to evaluate how well you have mastered the material
Agents of Bioterror and Forensic Microbiology chapter provides the most current information about these important topics
Glossary at the end of the book supplies you with a quick reference for looking up definitions of key terms
NEW! Information about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 is added to this edition
NEW! Updated content is included throughout the book, and several chapters are reorganized and refocused
NEW! Enterobacteriaceae chapter is updated