ABSTRACT.Advanced technology in the modern medical field is providing methods for obtaining and analyzing physiological data in rapidly expanding clinical settings. Spectral analysis for years was used primarily as a research tool and limited in clinical application. This limitation generally was caused by the need for large, stationary computers with their exorbitant cost, and the lack of knowledgeable, trained support staff. The advancement of third generation instrumentation is introducing the use of spectral analysis in routine clinical settings. Discussion of the paper includes the applications of compressed spectral analysis (CSA) in intensive care, surgical anesthesia, carotid endarterectomy and cardiac bypass monitoring as well as research.