Crossword Genius

It helps the analyst get near the confounded answer (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reagent

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'it helps the analyst' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'get near the confounded answer' is the wordplay.
'the confounded answer' is an anagram indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'get'+'near'='getnear'
'getnear' with letters rearranged gives 'REAGENT'.

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(Other definitions for reagent that I've seen before include "What causes change" , "Chemically active substance" , "Active chemical" , "Get near (anag) - substance used in chemistry" , "Chemical substance used in tests" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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