In this volume of the Methods in Molecular Medicine, a number of strategies utilizing clinical bioinformatics are described. This series of articles focuses on software applications that can be used to translate information into outcomes of clinical relevance. Step-by-step instructions ensure successful results. The themes covered include gene discovery, gene function (microarrays), DNA mutation analysis, Proteomics, online approaches and resources, and Informatics in clinical practice. A challenge in clinical medicine is dealing with an ever increasing volume of information. This is particularly so in the emerging "omics" era, and impacts on researchers, health professionals and the broader community. To respond to this challenge requires computer-based storage, processing and dissemination i.e. bioinformatics.