Diagnostic tests
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Diagnostic tests
Diagnostic tests (/daɪəɡˈnɒstɪk tɛsts/) are medical procedures performed to detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases, disease processes, susceptibility, or to determine a course of treatment. These tests are usually conducted in a laboratory under controlled conditions.
Etymology
The term "diagnostic" is derived from the Greek word "diagnostikos", meaning "able to distinguish", and "test" comes from the Old French "test", meaning "small vessel".
Types of Diagnostic Tests
There are several types of diagnostic tests, including:
- Blood tests: These are used to analyze components in the blood such as blood cells, electrolytes, and proteins.
- Imaging tests: These include procedures like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to create images of the inside of the body.
- Genetic tests: These tests look for certain gene mutations that might indicate a risk for certain types of diseases.
- Biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.
- Endoscopy: This is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it to view the inside of a patient's body.
Related Terms
- Pathology: The study of disease, its causes, processes, development, and consequences.
- Radiology: The science dealing with X-rays and other high-energy radiation, especially the use of such radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Laboratory: A room or building equipped for scientific research, experimentation, or analysis.
See Also
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