Washout

Washout is a term used in various fields, including medicine, pharmacology, meteorology, and engineering. It generally refers to the removal or reduction of substances or effects over time.

Medicine

In medicine, a washout period is a phase in a clinical trial during which participants stop using the experimental drug or treatment. This period allows the effects of the drug to dissipate from the body before starting a new treatment or phase of the study. Washout periods are crucial for reducing carryover effects and ensuring the accuracy of the trial results.

Pharmacology

In pharmacology, washout refers to the process by which a drug is eliminated from the body. This can involve metabolism, excretion, and other physiological processes. The washout period is essential for determining the half-life of a drug and understanding its pharmacokinetics.

Meteorology

In meteorology, washout refers to the removal of airborne pollutants by precipitation. When rain or snow falls, it can capture and remove particles and gases from the atmosphere, effectively "washing out" the pollutants. This process is significant for understanding air quality and environmental science.

Engineering

In engineering, particularly in hydrology and soil science, washout refers to the erosion or removal of soil and sediment by water flow. This can occur during heavy rains or flooding and can have significant impacts on land stability and infrastructure.

Related Pages

• Clinical trial
• Pharmacokinetics
• Air quality
• Erosion
• Half-life (pharmacokinetics)
• Metabolism
• Excretion