| 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) |
| didactic analysis | Psychoanalytic treatment for the purpose of training of an analytic candidate carried out under the official auspices of a psychoanalytic training institute. Synonym: didactic analysis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| differential thermal analysis | Technique by which phase transitions of chemical reactions can be followed by observation of the heat absorbed or liberated. (12 Dec 1998) |
| discriminant analysis | A statistical analytic technique used with discrete dependent variables, concerned with separating sets of observed values and allocating new values. It is sometimes used instead of regression analysis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| displacement analysis | General term for an assay in which a binder competes for labelled versus unlabelled ligand; following separation of free and bound ligand, the ligand (the analyte assayed) is quantitated by relating bound and unbound ratios to known standards. See: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, radioreceptor assay, immunoassay, enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique, radioimmunoassay. Synonym: displacement analysis, saturation analysis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| distributive analysis | The analysis of information gained about the patient and its distribution by the physician, as indicated by the patient's complaint and symptoms. (05 Mar 2000) |