Indication (medicine)

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Indication (medicine)

Indication in medicine refers to the valid reason to use a certain test, medication, procedure, or surgery. The opposite of an indication is a contraindication.

Pronunciation

In English, indication is pronounced as /ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/.

Etymology

The term 'indication' comes from the Latin word 'indicare', which means to point out or show.

Definition

In medicine, an indication is a reason for administering a particular treatment. An indication can be a symptom or specific finding on a medical examination or procedure that makes it advisable to use a particular treatment.

Types of Indications

There are two main types of indications in medicine: Absolute indication and Relative indication.

  • Absolute indication means that the benefits of treatment clearly outweigh the risks.
  • Relative indication means that the benefits usually outweigh the risks, but the decision needs to be made on an individual basis.

Related Terms

  • Contraindication: A condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment.
  • Prophylaxis: Measures taken to prevent diseases.
  • Symptom: A physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease.
  • Diagnosis: The identification of the nature and cause of a certain phenomenon.
  • Therapy: Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.

See Also

External links

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