Diagnoza

Diagnoza is the Polish term for diagnosis, referring to the process of identifying the nature of a disease or condition based on evidence from history, examination, and tests. The term itself derives from the Greek diagnosis via Latin and French forms; in Polish, diagnoza is used in medical, veterinary, and related health contexts.

In medical practice, diagnoza involves summarizing patient history, performing physical examination, and ordering or interpreting diagnostic tests—laboratory studies, imaging, and specialized procedures. Clinicians generate a differential diagnosis, hypothesize the most likely causes, and then seek confirmatory tests. A definitive diagnosis may be established, or a provisional one may guide initial treatment while further information is gathered. Diagnostic accuracy depends on test sensitivity, specificity, and clinical judgment; misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can occur.

The concept is used beyond clinical medicine as well, in psychology, dentistry, pathology, and public health to describe the identification of conditions, diseases, or syndromes. It is a central element of patient care, clinical guidelines, and prognosis, and it informs management choices, preventive measures, and counseling.

History and development: While the idea of determining illness dates back to ancient medicine, modern diagnostic methods emerged with advances in anatomy, pathology, imaging, and laboratory testing from the 19th century onward. The term diagnosis has entered many languages, with diagnoza as the standard Polish term.

See also: Diagnosis, Differential diagnosis, Medical history.