Overview
Diagnostic tests are used to detect, confirm, or rule out the presence of a disease or medical condition. They can be used to screen for certain conditions in people who are at increased risk; to evaluate the effects of treatment; or to monitor disease progression.
There are a number of different types of diagnostic tests. Common tests and procedures include the following:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Biopsy (surgical removal of a tissue sample for microscopic evaluation; e.g., breast biopsy, prostate biopsy)
- Endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, upper GI series, barium enema)
- Cardiac tests (e.g., electrocardiogram, stress tests)
- Cystoscopy (used to examine the lower urinary tract)
- Laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests, urine tests, stool samples)
- Imaging tests (e.g., x-rays, CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasound)
- Neurological tests (e.g., neurological exam, EEG, EMG)
- Nuclear medicine (e.g., bone scan, positron emission tomography [PET scan])
- Pap smear (to detect abnormal cells on the cervix)
- Semen analysis (used to evaluate male fertility)
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 06 Mar 2008
Reviewed by: Under Construction
Last Reviewed:
Diagnostic Tests, Overview reprinted with permission from healthinfo.healthcommunities.com
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