in Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry R.A. Meyers (Ed.) pp. 1699–1714

Ultraviolet/visible (UV/VIS) absorption spectroscopy has been used in the clinical laboratory for many years. The technique has appeal, as it is almost universal in its application. Although much of the routine work is performed using high-throughput dedicated clinical analysis systems, absorption spectroscopy still has a place in most clinical laboratories. This article discusses the range of application types for which absorption spectroscopy can be used and some examples of common analyses are given. The article also discusses the merits of various instrument types and discusses some more advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as derivative spectroscopy, to enhance the data measured by the spectrophotometer. Brief reference is also made to the use of reflectance in clinical analysis.