diagnostikós

Diagnostikës (Diagnostics) is the branch of medicine dedicated to identifying diseases and other health conditions. It combines information from patient history, physical examination, and a wide range of tests to determine the nature and cause of a patient's problem. The aim is to establish an accurate diagnosis, guide treatment, and inform prognosis and ongoing care.

Diagnostics uses multiple methods. Clinical assessment includes history taking and physical examination. Laboratory diagnostics cover blood tests, urine analysis, and microbiology. Imaging diagnostics involve X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear imaging. Pathology, through biopsy and histology, provides tissue-based information. Molecular and genetic testing, such as PCR and sequencing, and functional testing like ECG, EEG, spirometry, and endoscopy, have broadened capabilities. Test selection depends on the suspected condition and pretest probability; screening tests identify disease in asymptomatic people, while diagnostic tests confirm or refute a suspected diagnosis.

Process: The diagnostic workflow typically starts with a differential diagnosis, followed by targeted testing and interpretation. Clinicians apply diagnostic criteria and guidelines to reach a final diagnosis, which may be categorized, staged, or classified by severity in certain diseases. Ongoing monitoring evaluates response to treatment and disease progression.

Quality and challenges: Diagnostic performance depends on sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, influenced by disease prevalence and pretest probability. Challenges include access disparities, cost, false positives and negatives, incidental findings, and ethical issues in genetic testing and data privacy.