| cutaneous absorption | The absorption of drugs, allergens, and other substances through unbroken skin. Synonym: cutaneous absorption. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| specific absorption coefficient | Absorbance (of light) per unit path length (usually the centimeter) and per unit of mass concentration. Compare: molar absorption coefficient. Synonym: absorbancy index, absorptivity, extinction coefficient, specific extinction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spectrophotometry, atomic absorption | A highly sensitive technique used to analyze various elements, especially metals, including aluminum, arsenic, beryllium, calcium, copper, iron, lead, and lithium, which are present in trace amounts. The atoms are excited above a ground state by flame vaporization, and the radiation emitted as the molecules return to a ground state is measured in unexcited non-ionised molecules. (12 Dec 1998) |
| disjunctive absorption | Absorption of living tissue in immediate relation with a necrosed part, producing a line of demarcation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| d-xylose absorption | This test measures the intestine's ability to absorb the simple sugar, D-xylose. This is an indicator for whether or not nutrients are being absorbed properly in the intestine. This test is often used to evaluate persistent diarrhoea, weight loss, malnutrition and cases of suspected malabsorption. Abnormal results may be seen in the following conditions: Crohn's disease, Giardiasis, hookworm infestation, radiation enteritis, celiac sprue, viral gastroenteritis and Whipple's disease. (27 Sep 1997) |
| interstitial absorption | The removal of water or of substances in the interstitial fluid by the lymphatics. (05 Mar 2000) |
| electron resonance absorption | <physics> A spectrometric method, based on measurement of electron spins and magnetic moments, for detecting and estimating free radicals in reactions and in biological systems. Synonym: electron paramagnetic resonance. (05 Mar 2000) |
| external absorption | The absorption of substances through skin, mucocutaneous surfaces, or mucous membranes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test | <investigation> A sensitive and specific serologic test for syphilis. It is more specific than the VDRL assay. The patient's serum is diluted to remove non-specific antibodies and then mixed on a glass slide with Nichol's strain of Treponema pallidum. If antibodies are present in the patient's serum they bind to the antigen and the bound antibodies are detected with fluoresceinated antihuman gamma-globulin antibody. Synonym: FTA-ABS test. (12 Sep2002) |
| linear absorption coefficient | That fraction of ionizing radiation absorbed in a unit thickness of a substance or tissue. See: absorption coefficient. (05 Mar 2000) |