Mediformatica - The Medical Informatics Portal

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P

PCR

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A technique used to amplify or generate large amounts of replica DNA or a segment of any DNA whose ``flanking'' sequences are known. Oligonucleotide primers that bind these flanking sequences are used by an enzyme to copy the sequence in between the primers. Cycles of heat to break apart the DNA strands, cooling to allow the primers to bind, and heating again to allow the enzyme to copy the intervening sequence lead to doubling of the DNA present at each cycle.

Pharmacogenomics

The study of the pharmacological response to a drug by a population based on the genetic variation of that population. It has long been known that different individuals in a population respond to the same drug differently, and that these variations are due to variations in the molecular receptors being affected by the drug, or to differences in metabolic enzymes that clear the drug. Pharmacogenomics is the science of studying these variations at the molecular level. Applications of pharmacogenomics include reducing side effects, customizing drugs, improvement of clinical trials, and the rescue of some drugs that have been banned due to severe side effects in a small percentage of the eligible population.

Picture archiving and communication

Picture archiving and communication (PACS) - System that can store, distribute, retrieve and display images.

Point-of-care

Hospital information system that includes bedside workstations or other devices for capturing and entering data at the locations where patients receive care.

Public Health Informatics

The systematic application of information and computer science and technology to public health practice, research, and learning.

RD Glossary by Run Digital