Diagnosis recent methodological developments

Recent methodological developments in MS have made quantitative analysis of the complex lipidomes of mammalian cells and tissues feasible for the first time. Phospholipids can already be analyzed in a routine manner and the analysis of most other lipid classes should be possible as soon as some issues regarding quantification, particularly the availability of suitable standards, have been resolved. A detailed analysis of lipidomes is expected to provide a powerful tool for the diagnosis and understanding of the mechanism of various lipid-related diseases and disorders, including atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. This, however, will require integration of the lipidomics data with those of genomics, proteomics, and other omics, which may not be trivial. 

Methodology. Several radioimmunoassays of human calcitonin (hCT) have been developed In the past 5 years (18-20). Their greatest utility has been In the definitive diagnosis of patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland (MTC) and, recently. In Identifying family members of these patients who have occult MTC. 

In recent years, many new tests have been developed to assess pulmonary function in man. Here are presented the general principles, methodology, and clinical significance of the major lung function tests used in the diagnosis of obstructive and restrictive lung diseases. Obstructive diseases of the lung... 

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