Abstract

MORETTI, Edgardo. Challenges of Biochemistry in the hyper technological era. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2016, vol.50, n.4, pp.791-795. ISSN 0325-2957.

In the hyper technological era, are we assisted by technology or assistants of technology? The intelligent machine, the ideal robot can perform all tasks in the laboratory, with equal or greater efficacy than man? We think not, because the machine can only have "calculating thinking". Instead, man has "reflexive thinking" and ethical judgment, which allow a fundamental critical discernment. The machine must assist professionals, but is the professional who must decide about questions relative to pre and post analysis, control of instruments in the analytical phase, and patient care. Simplification of analytical methods leads to the realization of delocalized analysis, or "point of care". Technical advances such as miniaturization, automation and computing favour delocalized analysis, which can take place in critical units, emergencies, surgeries or even outside the hospital setting. The speed of response in critical cases can justify the delocalized analysis, but there are clear limitations: Quality Assurance, biosafety and bioethical aspects: confidentiality and ability to provide adequate information to the patient. In this context, in the Health Sciences, it is imperative to rethink the importance of technology, but also, and especially, the human factor and the social role of the Biochemist as health team member.

Keywords : Biochemistry; Biochemistry and Technology; Challenges of Biochemistry; Point of care analysis.

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