diagnostisk

Diagnostisk is an adjective used in Scandinavian languages to denote a relation to diagnosis, the process of identifying the cause or nature of a problem or disease. Derived from the root diagnose with the adjectival suffix -isk, diagnostisk is employed across medical, psychological, educational, and technical contexts to describe methods, criteria, tools, and interpretations that support identification and confirmation of conditions.

In medicine, diagnostisk describes diagnostic tests, imaging studies, and the diagnostic process as a whole. In psychology and education, diagnostisk assessment aims to determine specific disorders, learning needs, or developmental profiles. In engineering and information technology, diagnostic routines and software detect faults and determine their likely causes.

Usage notes: diagnostisk is a standard form in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, though spelling may vary slightly (for example Swedish diagnostisk, Danish/Norwegian diagnostisk). The English equivalents are diagnostic or diagnostical, with diagnostic favored in contemporary usage.

Related terms include differential diagnosis, diagnostic criteria, diagnostic tool, diagnostic imaging, screening, and prognosis. See also: diagnostic test, assessment.