Any approach used to gather clinical information for the purpose of making a clinical decision or diagnosis is called a diagnostic test. There are various types of diagnostic tests. Some of them are discussed here.

  1. Mammography:

A special type of X-ray of the breasts is known as a mammogram. Cysts or tumours can be seen with the help of mammogram long before they are big enough for you or your health care provider to feel. For women older than 40, mammograms are recommended every year or two. For younger women having symptoms of breast cancer or who have a high risk of the disease, they are also recommended.

  1. Echocardiography:

A painless test using sound waves to make a moving picture of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures is called echocardiography. On your skin, a tech will use a small device to make images that will show how your heart is working. During this test, there is no exposure to radiation.

  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

A common blood test performed to diagnose a number of different medical conditions such as anaemia or infection is known as a complete blood count (CBC). A specially trained person called a phlebotomist collects the specimens in a medical laboratory. Blood will be taken from your arm, from your finger or from heel in case of infants. Red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin and others can be measured by this test.

  1. Colonoscopy:

A test to look into the rectum and colon is called colonoscopy. A long narrow tube called colonoscope that bends with a light and tiny lens on the end is used by the doctor. To find colon cancer, ulcers, swelling and other problems in the colon, a colonoscopy proves very helpful. After the age of 50, a colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for colon cancer screening.

  1. Prothrombin Time (PT):

A common blood test is the prothrombin time (PT) test. It is also known as a “protime”. The time taken by your blood to clot is measured by it. You will often have a PT test if you take any medicine that thins your blood. The results of this test can be interfered by certain foods and/or medicines. You may need to have a PT test on a regular basis for a period of time for this reason.

  1. Bone Density Study:

A type of X-ray to measure bone loss is called a bone density study. Bones can become thin due to certain diseases, medications or conditions. Thyroid disease, taking drugs called steroids for a long time and osteoporosis are some of these. With age, it’s normal for bones to thin.

  1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

A picture of the inside of the body is called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is much more detailed than an X-ray. With the help of this test done in diagnostic centres, doctors can see pictures of the inside of your body.

  1. Computer Axial Tomography (CT or CAT Scan):

Another kind of X-ray test that takes many pictures to show parts inside your body is known as a CT scan or CAT scan. Doctors can find blood clots, tumours, infections and other diseases and conditions with the help of this test.

  1. Electrocardiogram (EKG):

A test that shows how the heart is pumping is an electrocardiogram. On your skin, a number of electrodes are put on your skin by a tech and they will be connected to a machine. Your doctor can see conditions like a heart attack, a heart that beats two slow or fast, and more from the machine’s printout.

  1. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test:

A substance made by cells in a man’s prostate gland is called prostate-specific antigen or PSA. Prostate disease (especially prostate cancer) is indicated by a high level of PSA. A PSA test can be recommended from time to time by a doctor.