Probable
Probable
Probable (/ˈprɒbəbəl/), from the Latin probabilis, meaning "provable", is a term often used in the medical field to describe a diagnosis or condition that is likely based on the available evidence, but not yet confirmed.
Definition
In medicine, a probable diagnosis is one that a healthcare professional thinks is likely to be the correct diagnosis, based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and preliminary test results. It is a term used when the healthcare professional is fairly certain, but further testing or time is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Usage
The term probable is often used in the context of epidemiological studies, where it can refer to a case that meets most but not all of the established criteria for a particular disease or condition. It is also used in the context of differential diagnosis, where it can refer to the most likely diagnosis among several possibilities.
Related Terms
- Possible: A term used when a diagnosis could be correct, but there is not enough evidence to make a firm conclusion.
- Confirmed: A term used when a diagnosis has been definitively established through appropriate testing or observation.
- Presumptive: A term used when a diagnosis is assumed to be correct based on the available evidence, but further testing is needed to confirm it.
Etymology
The term probable comes from the Latin probabilis, which means "provable". It entered the English language in the late 14th century, and its use in the medical context dates back to at least the 19th century.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Probable
- Wikipedia's article - Probable
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