Diagnostic procedures
Diagnostic procedures
Diagnostic procedures (pronunciation: /daɪəɡˈnɒstɪk ˈproʊsiːdʒər/) are a variety of techniques used in the medical field to assist in the identification and treatment of diseases and medical conditions.
Etymology
The term "diagnostic" comes from the Greek word "diagnostikos," meaning "able to distinguish," and "procedure" originates from the Latin "procedere," meaning "to go forward."
Types of Diagnostic Procedures
There are numerous types of diagnostic procedures, including but not limited to:
- Blood tests: These are used to analyze the blood for various substances or cells that may indicate an underlying disease or condition.
- Imaging tests: These include procedures like X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans, which create images of the inside of the body to help identify abnormalities.
- Biopsies: This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the body to examine under a microscope.
- Endoscopy: This procedure uses a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it to view the inside of certain organs or cavities in the body.
- Genetic testing: This type of test looks for specific inherited gene changes (mutations) that might indicate a risk for certain diseases.
Related Terms
- Differential diagnosis: The process of distinguishing a specific disease or condition from others that present similar clinical features.
- Prognosis: The likely course and outcome of a disease.
- 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.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diagnostic procedures
- Wikipedia's article - Diagnostic procedures
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