Atoms for health The promotion of radioimmunoassay in human health by R.A. Dudley*

The Agency's promotional role in the application of radioimmunoassay to human health is simply summarized: to help developing countries establish effective radioimmunoassay services, and to encourage the application of radioimmunoassay techniques to those health problems in which they can make the greatest contribution. The Agency's expertise is related more to techniques than to medical problems, and when medical issues are paramount the Agency collaborates closely with the medical community, in particular with the World Health Organization. And in the spirit of technical co-operation, the Agency is guided by the wishes of its Member States. But however circumscribed, the Agency's role can be challenging and exciting: the nature of radioimmunoassay ensures this.