Metabolic profiling is the simplified characteristics of the metabolome, which is a complete set of naturally occurred small molecules (metabolites) in living system. This set of metabolites can be changed by pathological processes encroached on metabolism. Differences in metabolic profiles can help to screen or to diagnose selected diseases. Some analytical techniques may characterise groups of metabolites with common properties in one step and particularly support the study of metabolome. Very useful seems to be the analysis with minimal preparation of biological material. It helps to discover new or unexpected analytes. Biological fluids contain characteristic set of naturally fluorescent compounds. Comparison of fluorescent profiles in healthy and diseased humans determines characteristic signs usable for screening or diagnostics particular diseases.

        Key words: metabolic profile, metabolomics, fluorescence, diagnostics