Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Chemical Actions and Uses

Chemicals are used in a variety of ways in healthcare settings to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Some common examples of chemical actions and uses in healthcare include:

Diagnosis: Chemicals are used in diagnostic tests to detect and measure the presence or concentration of specific substances in the body, such as hormones, enzymes, and other biomarkers. These tests may be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Treatment: Chemicals are used in a variety of treatments, including medications, to help manage or cure medical conditions. For example, antibiotics are used to treat infections, while chemotherapy is used to treat cancer.

Prevention: Chemicals are used to prevent the spread of disease, such as through the use of disinfectants and sterilization agents. These chemicals are used to kill or remove germs and other pathogens from surfaces, equipment, and other objects to reduce the risk of infection.

Research: Chemicals are also used in research to study the mechanisms of disease and to develop new treatments and therapies. For example, researchers may use chemicals to study the effects of different drugs on cells or to develop new diagnostic tests.