Your family physician determines whether you need screening or diagnostic testing.
Screening and diagnostic tests are performed at a doctor's request. Diagnostic tests are given when a disease or condition is suspected. Screening tests are performed on patients who have no symptoms to predict or detect a possible medical condition.
Testing Procedures
Blood and urine tests are the most common screening and diagnostic tools used by medical professionals.
Medical screening and diagnostic tests include the following:
Analysis of urine, blood or other body fluids.
Imaging of the body, using X-Rays, magnetic resonance imaging, a computed tomography scan, positron emission tomography, angiography or ultrasonography.
An endoscopy, which involves using a camera attached to a tube to observe body cavities such as mouth, nose or intestines.
A biopsy, which is a procedure where samples of tissue are removed from a part of the body and microscopically examined.
Screening Tests
Screening tests can diagnose a condition before it becomes life threatening.
Screening is performed for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate and other forms of cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Amniocentesis and genetic testing are conducted to determine if a patient carries a gene that causes a disease or condition.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests are used for every part of the body.
Diagnostic tests are used to diagnose cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis, bacterial and viral infections and many other diseases. Diagnostic tests for psychiatric conditions include clinical laboratory tests and brain imaging as well as psychological testing.
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