Diagnostic tests are really important because they help in detecting the presence or absence of the disease or injury. When you go to the doctor with some pain or injury, the doctor might advise you to take diagnostic tests. A diagnostic test basically gives the doctor critical information after which he can perform diagnosis. It also helps in monitoring the progress of the disease.
There are 2 types of diagnostic tests:
- Invasive
- Non-Invasive
Invasive
Invasive:
Medical procedure performed with medical instruments to cut skin or any other connective tissue or instruments inserting to the body opening is invasive. Eg; biopsy, endotherapy, endoscopy, etc.
Non-Invasive
Non-Invasive:
Non-Invasive are procedures that don’t involve any instruments to cut skin or physically insert anything into the body. Eg; X-rays, CTI, MRI, etc.. There are many diagnostic tests available, Some of the most commonly used are listed below.
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody)
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody):
This test is taken to detect the antibodies present within the body. ANA test is taken when the doctor speculates the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. If this test gives positive results then the doctor carries out further tests to determine the type of disease.
Amylase test
Amylase test:
Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands. In some cases, problems in pancreas occur because it produces too many enzymes or in some cases very less. These conditions cause serious problems which is why early diagnosis and further treatments are necessary.
Blood Sugar Test
Blood Sugar Test:
Blood sugar test is done for type 1 and type 2 diabetic people. Type 1 diabetes is where the body’s own immune system destroys cells by producing insulin. Thus if the insulin produced by the body is insufficient, it results in an increase of blood sugar levels in the body. Insulin-dependent diabetes is Type 1 . In Type 2 diabetes the body produces sufficient amounts of insulin but it fails to make use of it.
CT Scans – Computerized Tomography scans
CT Scans – Computerized Tomography scans
These scans are a better-advanced version of x-rays. Any injury or fracture can be detected through this scan . These scans produce cross-sectional images of internal structures within the body like bones, tissues, blood vessels etc. These scans also help in monitoring the growth of the tumor.
CBC test – Common Blood Count
CBC test – Common Blood Count
There are 3 reasons to take CBC tests.
- CBC test basically analyzes different components of blood like red blood cells or white blood cells. It helps to monitor our immunity power, blood clotting issues etc.
- These tests are also taken to know the reasons behind symptoms of any infection or bleeding, continuous fatigue, bruises etc.
- Body’s reaction to any medical treatment can be detected through this test.
CRP test – C Reactive Protein test
CRP test – C Reactive Protein test
CRP count in the body can be checked through this test. Doctors prescribe this test if there is an infection or arthritis or pancreatic problem. Taking the CRP test as soon as possible might reduce the chances of fatal issues.
MRI scans – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI scans – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
These scans use radio and magnetic waves to scan the internal structure and bones of our body. When CT scan or X-ray doesn’t give any results, MRI scan becomes the last source of the scan to identify abnormalities within the body.
- Abdomen MRI scan
- Cardiac scan
- Brain scan
- Bone and joint scan
- Spine scan.
- Pelvic scan.
PET Scans – Positron Emission Tomography
PET Scans – Positron Emission Tomography
This scan is an image testing scan to check the functionality of tissues within the body. MRI and CT scans diagnose structural information of the body whereas PET scans help in diagnosing the functionality of internal organs of the body. If the CT scan And MRI scan fail to diagnose anything PET scan is useful in diagnosing various diseases such as Brain tumours, Cancer, Heart problems, etc.
Haemoglobin A1c
Haemoglobin A1c:
Patients who are suffering from abnormal blood sugar levels need to take this test to control the glucose level within the body. People who have heart issues but not diabetes also need to take this test.
Thyroid Function test
Thyroid Function test:
Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, anxiety disorders, etc can be detected through this test. This test includes a group of blood tests which determines the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland.
It is suggested to take these diagnostic tests as early as possible because it reduces the chances of several disorders.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu villagers held special prayers for Kamala Harris!
