Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests are medical procedures, examinations, or laboratory analyses used to identify diseases, health conditions, or abnormalities in the body. They help doctors understand what is causing symptoms, monitor ongoing conditions, and guide treatment decisions. These tests may involve checking blood, imaging different parts of the body, evaluating organ function, or analyzing tissues under a microscope.
Diagnostic testing is an essential part of modern medicine, allowing healthcare providers to diagnose illnesses early, accurately, and efficiently, often before symptoms become severe.
Why Diagnostic Tests Are Performed
Diagnostic tests are used for several important purposes:
1. Early Detection
To discover diseases in their earliest stages (e.g., cancer screenings, cholesterol tests).
2. Diagnosis
To determine the exact cause of symptoms such as pain, fever, swelling, or fatigue.
3. Monitoring Health Conditions
To track chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders.
- Which treatment is best
- Whether medication needs adjustment
- If surgery is required
Types of Diagnostic Tests
Laboratory Tests
These analyze samples such as blood, urine, stool, or tissue.
Examples
Blood tests (CBC, lipid panel, glucose, electrolytes)
Urine tests (urinalysis, culture)
Stool tests (occult blood, parasite examination)
Hormone tests (thyroid, reproductive hormones)
Vitamin tests (Vitamin D, B12, Folate)
Imaging Tests
These create pictures of the inside of the body.
Examples
X-ray – bones, lungs
Ultrasound – pregnancy, abdomen, soft tissues
CT Scan – detailed body cross-sections
MRI – brain, muscles, ligaments
Mammogram – breast cancer screening
Bone density scan (DEXA) – osteoporosis
Cardiac Diagnostic Tests
Used to assess heart structure and function.
Examples
ECG/EKG (electrical activity of the heart)
Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
Stress test
Holter monitoring
Cardiac biomarkers (troponin levels)
Endoscopic Tests
These use a tube with a camera to look inside organs.
Examples
Endoscopy (stomach, esophagus)
Colonoscopy (large intestine)
Bronchoscopy (lungs)
Cystoscopy (bladder)
