Diagnostics refers to the process of identifying the nature or cause of a particular phenomenon, often related to health or the functioning of a system.
Examples:
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT): Quick diagnostic tests performed at or near the point of patient care. Examples: rapid throat culture strep test, pregnancy urine stick test, 15-minute COVID swab test.
Medical Tests: Common tests are blood tests, imaging studies (such as X-rays. CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds), and diagnostic procedures (such as biopsies or endoscopies).
Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics: Analyze samples like blood, urine, and tissue to diagnose diseases, assess organ function, and monitor overall health.
Molecular Diagnostics such as DNA and RNA Testing: Analyze genetic material to detect genetic disorders, identify pathogens (bacteria, viruses), and assess the risk of certain diseases.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Used to amplify and detect DNA, particularly in the diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Serological Tests: Measure antibodies or antigens in blood to diagnose infections.