Taber's Medical Dictionary
method
(meth′ŏd)
[L. methodus fr. Gr. methodos, systematic procedure]
The systematic manner, procedure, or technique in performing details of an operation, tests, treatment, or any act.
SEE: algorithm; SEE: maneuver; SEE: stain; SEE: test; SEE: treatment
Abbott method
SEE: Abbott method
Baudelocque method
Billings method
SEE: Billings method
blotting method
A technique for analyzing a tiny portion of the primary structure of genomic material (DNA or RNA).
caloric method
An estimation of the total fluid and electrolyte requirements of a hospitalized patient, based on the patient's body weight, body temperature, mobility, ventilation, and other factors.
clean-catch method
A procedure for obtaining a urine specimen that exposes the culture sample to minimal contamination.
PATIENT CARE
For females, the labia are held apart, and the periurethral area is cleaned with a mild soap or antibacterial solution, rinsed with copious amounts of plain water, and dried from front to back with a dry gauze pad. The urine is then voided and the specimen collected in a sterile container. It is important that the labia be held apart and that the urine flow directly into the container without touching the skin. If possible, the sample should be obtained after the urine flow is well established, i.e., a midstream specimen. For males, the urethral meatus is cleaned and the midstream specimen is collected in a sterile container. If the male is uncircumcised, the foreskin is retracted before the penis is cleaned.
Credé method
SEE: Credé, Carl
Delphi method
The polling of experts in a field to reach consensus, make decisions, or disseminate knowledge. Individual specialists are organized in a virtual group, i.e., one that does not meet face-to-face in one place. They are each given a standard set of questions to answer or review. Their responses are tallied by the group's organizers, and then the preliminary data analysis is shared with all members of the group for further comments and revisions. A final report summarizing the opinions of the group is drafted. The Delphi method is one means of publishing criteria for standards of care or the state of the art of a particular discipline in health care.
Duke method
SEE: Duke method
Feldenkrais method
SEE: Feldenkrais method
Fick method
SEE: Fick, Adolf Eugen
flash method
1. A means of pasteurizing milk by rapidly raising its temperature to 178°F (80.1°C), maintaining it there for a few minutes, and rapidly chilling it until the temperature is 40°F (4.4°C).
SEE: pasteurization
2. A fast low-angle shot method of obtaining magnetic resonance images.
Gwathmey method
SEE: Gwathmey, James
Ilizarow method
SEE: Ilizarow method
Ivy method
SEE: Ivy method
Laborde method
SEE: Laborde method
lactation amenorrhea method
ABBR: LAM The method of causing decreased fertility in a woman by nursing a child for a lengthy period (several years or more). In general, the longer a woman breastfeeds, the longer ovulation is delayed. For this method to work, a baby must be exclusively breastfed on demand, around the clock. Once other food and drinks are added to the infant's diet, this method is not considered reliable. In addition, most breast-feeding women ovulate before their first postpartum menses and within 4 to 18 months after delivery.
Lamaze method
SEE: Lamaze method
Leboyer method
SEE: Leboyer method
Northern blotting method
A blot analysis technique for analyzing a small portion of RNA. Operationally, this test is identical to Southern blotting except for the target (RNA) and the specific reagents used.
Read method
SEE: Read method
rhythm method of birth control
Southern blotting method
A technique used in molecular genetics to analyze a small portion of DNA first by purifying it, then by controlled fragmentation, electrophoretic separation, and fixing the fragment identity using specific DNA probes. It is used most commonly for G cell and T cell rearrangement analysis, bcr gene rearrangement analysis, and fragile X syndrome analysis.
Western blotting method
An electrophoretic technique for analyzing protein antigens in which proteins in a mixed specimen are moved from an electrophoretic gel to nitrocellulose, where they are analyzed. The technique is commonly used in the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS.
Ziehl-Neelsen method
SEE: Ziehl-Neelsen method
