Many of these basic analytical methods also contribute to diagnostic testing. In the clinical laboratory many analyses are now run routinely and automatically on blood and tissue samples; the determination of cholesterol and fats, the determination of various ions such as sodium and potassium, and enzyme analyses are a few examples. T h e analytical methods involved must be refined to the point where accurate tests can be run continuously and automatically by relatively unskilled technicians. As noted in "Chemistry in Medicine", perhaps one of the greatest analytical needs today is for methods t h a t will permit biological processes to be studied in detail at the molecular and atomic levels. Detecting small changes in concentration and determining how molecules are functioning inside cells will assist in providing basic information about cell processes. A first move in this direction is ion-selective membrane electrodes. These electrodes are m a d e small enough to permit direct m e a s u r e m e n t in the body. M e m b r a n e s modified with a layer of an appropriate enzyme are used to measure body fluid constituents such as glucose, urea, and phenylalanine. Much research is needed to try and match body chemical reactions with ionic measurements and to expand the n u m b e r of different ions t h a t can be measured. Research in this area will lead to a better understanding of many body processes including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, bone formation, and blood coagulation. Dr. T h o m a s P . Carney, president of Meta tech Corp., headed the fourm a n subcommittee responsible for "Chemistry in Medicine". In the preface, Dr. Carney states: " F u t u r e historians may well view the late 1960's and early 1970's as one of those inflection points when major scientific findings raised health care to a new, higher levelTThe prospects offered by increasing knowledge of cellular function at the molecular level clearly presage impelling scientific gains. So does the growth in sophisticated analyses, instruments, and diagnostic techniques. We are thus in a period of great scientific promise." Developments in analytical methodology are clearly playing a very import a n t role in medical research. As shown in this brief overview, analytical chemists are contributing to the search for new drugs and diagnostic tools. These will aid the physician in treating and preventing many illnesses. In addition, the growth of sophisticated analyses and instruments will provide a better understanding of diseases and complex body processes. Deborah C. Stewart
"Thankswill study with care." Dr. William F. Drea Research Laboratory Colorado Springs, Colorado
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ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 50, NO. 3, MARCH 1978 · 385 A
