Diagnostic services are critical in healthcare, involving various tests and procedures to identify diseases, monitor health conditions, and assess treatment effectiveness. These services provide the necessary information for accurate diagnosis and informed decision-making in patient care.
Types of Diagnostic Services
- Laboratory Tests
- Blood Tests: Analyze components like glucose, cholesterol, and electrolytes.
- Urinalysis: Detects kidney disorders, urinary tract infections, and more.
- Microbiological Cultures: Identify infections by growing and analyzing bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- Imaging Services
- X-rays: Used for viewing bones, detecting fractures, and identifying infections.
- MRI: Provides detailed images of organs and tissues, crucial for diagnosing brain, spinal, and joint issues.
- CT Scans: Combines X-ray images from different angles to create cross-sectional views.
- Ultrasounds: Uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues, commonly used in pregnancy and organ examination.
- Cardiovascular Diagnostics
- Electrocardiograms (EKG/ECG): Measures heart activity to detect abnormalities.
- Echocardiograms: Uses ultrasound to examine heart structure and function.
- Stress Tests: Assess how the heart functions under physical exertion.