| small-area analysis | A method of analyzing the variation in utilization of health care in small geographic or demographic areas. It often studies, for example, the usage rates for a given service or procedure in several small areas, documenting the variation among the areas. By comparing high- and low-use areas, the analysis attempts to determine whether there is a pattern to such use and to identify variables that are associated with and contribute to the variation. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| Southern blot analysis | A procedure to separate and identify DNA sequences; DNA fragments are separated by electrophoresis on an agarose gel, transferred (blotted) onto a nitrocellulose or nylon membrane, and hybridised with complementary (labelled) nucleic acid probes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spectrum analysis | The measurement of the amplitude of the components of a complex waveform throughout the frequency range of the waveform. (12 Dec 1998) |
| spectrum analysis, mass | Analysis of the mass of an object through means of determining the wave length(s) at which electromagnetic energy is absorbed by that object. (12 Dec 1998) |
| spectrum analysis, raman | Analysis of the intensity of raman scattering of monochromatic light as a function of frequency of the scattered light. (12 Dec 1998) |
| sputum analysis | A method of detecting certain infections (especially tuberculosis) by culturing of sputum, the mucus matter that collects in the respiratory and upper digestive passages and is expelled by coughing. (09 Oct 1997) |
| stratographic analysis | A former term for chromatography. (05 Mar 2000) |
| neutron activation analysis | Activation analysis in which the specimen is bombarded with neutrons. Identification is made by measuring the resulting radioisotopes. (12 Dec 1998) |
| structure activity analysis | Study in which systematic variation in the structure of a compound is correlated with its activity, in an attempt to determine the characteristics of the (receptor) site at which it acts. (18 Nov 1997) |
| Northern blot analysis | A procedure similar to the Southern blot analysis, used mostly to separate and identify RNA fragments; typically via transferring RNA fragments from an agarose gel to a nitrocellulose filter followed by detection with a suitable probe. Origin: coined to distinguish it from eponymic Southern blot a. (05 Mar 2000) |
| numerical analysis, computer-assisted | Computer-assisted study of methods for obtaining useful quantitative solutions to problems that have been expressed mathematically. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision analysis | A derivative of operations research and game theory that involves identifying all available choices and the potential outcomes of each, in a series of decisions that have to be made about patient care-diagnostic procedures, therapeutic regimens, prognostic expectations; the range of choices can be plotted on a decision tree. (05 Mar 2000) |
| survival analysis | A class of statistical procedures for estimating the survival function (function of time, starting with a population 100% well at a given time and providing the percentage of the population still well at later times). The survival analysis is then used for making inferences about the effects of treatments, prognostic factors, exposures, and other covariates on the function. (12 Dec 1998) |
| dental stress analysis | The description and measurement of the various factors that produce physical stress upon dental restorations, prostheses, or appliances, materials associated with them, or the natural oral structures. (12 Dec 1998) |
| systems analysis | The analysis of an activity, procedure, method, technique, or business to determine what must be accomplished and how the necessary operations may best be accomplished. (12 Dec 1998) |