Diagnostic Tests

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Overview

Diagnostic tests are used to detect, confirm, or rule out the presence of a disease or medical condition. They can be used to screen for certain conditions in people who are at increased risk; to evaluate the effects of treatment; or to monitor disease progression.

There are a number of different types of diagnostic tests. Common tests and procedures include the following:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Biopsy (surgical removal of a tissue sample for microscopic evaluation; e.g., breast biopsy, prostate biopsy)
• Endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, upper GI series, barium enema)
• Cardiac tests (e.g., electrocardiogram, stress tests)
• Cystoscopy (used to examine the lower urinary tract)
• Laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests, urine tests, stool samples)
• Imaging tests (e.g., x-rays, CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasound)
• Neurological tests (e.g., neurological exam, EEG, EMG)
• Nuclear medicine (e.g., bone scan, positron emission tomography [PET scan])
• Pap smear (to detect abnormal cells on the cervix)
• Semen analysis (used to evaluate male fertility)

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