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Comprehensive Guide to Modern Diagnostic Methods in Healthcare

Diagnostic Methods

Diagnostic Method is an examination to identify what dysfunction, disease and ailment condition is affecting an individual’s health.it is clinical approach that is used to identify specific area of weakness with high accuracy followed by early diagnosis of disease thus to provide proper treatment. This diagnostic method involves various stages from physical examinations, taking patients history, laboratory test and image testing depending upon type and condition of illness. The first steps in the diagnostic procedure are frequently the physical examination and history-taking, which provide crucial details regarding a patient’s symptoms and medical background. A patient’s overall health state can be determined by laboratory tests, and structural abnormalities, injuries, or genetic illnesses can be identified with the aid of imaging examinations and genetic testing. Healthcare providers can gain a complete picture of a patient’s health status and establish a treatment plan by combining a variety of diagnostic techniques [1].

Health care professionals appropriate diagnostic approach based on kind and severity of ailment being assessed. Diagnostic methods are receiving intense attention because these are central devices to detect root cause of disease These methods have been increasingly sophisticated and have evolved over time.

 In the present essay, we will discuss some different types of diagnostic methods that are being used today as well as their recent trends in treatment of various diseases. Advantages and challenges faced by diagnostic methods.

Figure:1 Graphical Abstract

Types of diagnostic Methods

diagnostic methods play a vital role in healthcare by allowing healthcare professionals to identify the underlying cause of a patient’s illness or condition. Diagnostic methods are usually used to narrow down possible options of a disease and finally deduced a final result. Some times after first screening like physical examinations or taking history of a patient cannot diagnose the disease at that time further diagnostic testing will be required therefore diagnostic methods have been classified into different types, health care professionals select the type of diagnostic method based on condition of ailment. Medical history and physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging tests, endoscopy, biopsy, and genetic testing are some of the most common diagnostic methods used today. different types of diagnostic methods are discussed as under.

Figure 2: Types of Diagnostic methods

Physical Examination and Medical history

 Physical examination and medical history are the most basic diagnostic approaches used by healthcare professionals. Physical examination is use to evaluate the cause of disease through observation, auscultation, percussion and palpation [2] However medical history is a part of continuum that includes inquiry about patients’ medical history such as family medical history, past surgical history and medications that a patient is taking. These methods are used to obtain information about any abnormalities in patients. The obtained information helps to formulate a differential diagnosis or it will guide further diagnostic testing [3]

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests are procedures used to detect a disease, validate a diagnosis and predict information related to disease progression by measuring various substances in body such as urine, blood and other body fluids. Some common laboratory tests are blood test (CBC) urine test, microbiological tests and blood chemistry panel, these tests provide can be helpful to provide information about the patient’s health condition such as liver function, blood sugar levels, various infections and electrolyte levels [4]

Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging tests are most common techniques used to produce visual representations of various organs and tissues inside of the human body which allow healthcare professionals to diagnose abnormalities or damage.in addition the type of type of imaging used depend on part of body need to be examines Imaging tests are usually used to diagnose myocardial diseases, cancer, neurological disorder and other conditions such as fractures, and internal bleeding [5]. The different types of diagnostic imaging include CT scans X- Rays, MRI, nuclear medicine and ultrasound. A brief description of these types is given below.

Figure 3: Types of diagnostic imaging

• X-ray: X-ray is type of diagnostic imaging that is a simple and quick approach to spot problems related to musculoskeletal system such as bones, ligaments and tendons as well as teeth and chest. It creates images of the organ to help the diagnosis of a condition. For example, to confirm a bone is fracture or not x-ray is taken [6]
• MRI: Magnetic Resonance imaging abbreviated as MRI is a diagnostic imaging technique that is used to produce high resolution images inside of the body in order to diagnose variety of problems and is more specific than X-ray. It is usually used to examine organs, skeletal system and brain.it is used to diagnose cancer and organ issues.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is another common approach also known as sonography. It is widely used for testing during pregnancy and also can be used to check the function of different body organs by a live video. Health care professionals usually use ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, fetal growth, kidney and gall blader issues.
• CT/PET: CT (computed tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography) are types of diagnostic imaging. CT and x-ray are similar methods except that CT can take images from different angles and it is used diagnose diseases related to heart, brain and cancer. On the other hand, PET is a sensitive technique that along with images can show a live video feed and it is used to detect bleeding, internal injuries and tumor [7]
• Radionuclide Scanning: Radionuclide scanning also known as nuclear medicine imaging is another diagnostic approach that is similar to PET scan. In this technique radioactive substance is directed to a specific organ of the body and then scan is taken. This method is used to check the function of organ inside the body [8]

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorder, gastrointestinal problems and urinary tract disorder. In this technique health care professional examines inside of body using endoscope that is flexible tube with camera and light source that can be inserted inside of body via an opening or small incision [9]

Biopsy

A biopsy is a diagnostic approach that involves the removal small sample cell or tissue from the body for examination under a microscope. Sample can be taken from body by surgery or with a needle depending upon type of sample needed. Biopsies are used to diagnose cancer and also help to identify other infections and autoimmune diseases. It can be performed on different parts of the body, including the breast, lungs, skin and liver [10]

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is also a type of diagnostic methods that is used to confirm diagnosis when a disease is suspected in a person based on physiological conditions. In this technique analysis of person’s DNA is carried out in order to detect genetic variation or mutation that might be associated with disease. It is usually used to diagnose genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis and to identify genetic markers for diseases such as cancer [11]

Recent Trend in Diagnostic methods for diagnosis of various Diseases

Diagnostic methods have played a synergistic role in the healthcare industry. These diagnostic methods continue to capture physicians’ attention as they are mainstay to make decisions regarding disease diagnosis and treatment and set the stage for improving patient’s health. The following section describes various diagnostic method that have been employed for diagnosis and treatment of different diseases.

Diagnostic Methods used for Diagnosis of COVID-19

The importance of diagnostic methods has been strongly highlighted during the spread of COVID-19. Various diagnostic methods have been used of which qRT-PCR also known as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is considered to be one the most specific and sensitive method. Other methods including RNA sequencing, droplet digital reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is most promising. In addition to this different imaging technologies such as CT scan, Chest radiography and x-ray are most widely used diagnostic approaches. Besides this, pooling test is also considered as one of the accurate and cost effective too for identification of disease. Apart of this patient’s medical history and demographic investigation also plays a crucial role in diagnosis [12]

Figure:4 diagnostic methos for Covid-19

Diagnostic Methods used for diagnosis of Cancer

Cancer is considered to be the one of leading cause of death, therefore diagnostic methods are needed for the diagnosis of disease at an early stage. Till date various diagnostic methods have been employed for the treatment of cancer. Some of the conventional approaches used for diagnosis of cancer are biopsy, sputum cytology and bronchoscopy used for lung cancer while some advanced diagnostic methods have been also adopted or detection of diseases including biosensors, biomarkers and radio genomic tests [13]

Figure 5: Diagnostic tests for Cancer

Diagnostic Methods used for Diagnosis of Dermophytes

Dermophytes is a disease caused by filamentous fungi in both humans and animals. It has been reported in previous studies that different methods have been used for diagnosis of Dermophytes till date. Diagnosis of dermophytes require one month laboratory testing, the most widely used method for its diagnosis is conventional gold standard method in which microscopic examination is carried out followed by culturing and post culturing through microculture technique [14]

Figure 6: Diagnostic Methods for Dermophytosis

Diagnostic Methods used for diagnosis of Malaria

Malaria is one of the fatal diseases caused by parasite protozoan. Malaria disease has high rates of transmission therefore effective management of disease by prompt and accurate diagnosis is necessary. It involves identification of parasites and antigen presence in blood. Different diagnostic approaches have been used for diagnosis of malaria up till now. Clinical diagnosis one of the most commonly used approach, it is based on patient’s physical examination and symptoms including fever, headache and abdominal pain. Laboratory diagnostic methods includes molecular diagnostic methods and conventional diagnostic methods. Whereas molecular diagnostic techniques include molecular biological approaches i.e PCR, microscopy, mass spectrometry and flow cytometric assay techniques [15]

Figure 7: Diagnostic methods for Malaria

Diagnostic Methods used for Diagnosis of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is viral and bacterial infection in which chest infection and lung inflammation occurs. This disease leads to severe clinical illness to even death so early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to combat the disease. Various diagnostic approaches including blood tests, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, CT scan and pleural fluid culture have been adopted for diagnosis. Apart of these microbiological diagnostic techniques such as mass spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy are considered to be the future approaches [16]

Figure 8: Diagnostic methods for Pneumonia

Diagnostic Methods for Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer is a brain disorder commonly associated with loss of memory. Physicians used variety of tools and techniques for diagnosis of Alzheimer disease. MRI is one of the most commonly used method for diagnosis of Alzheimer disease. In addition to this, Blood tests, Cerebrospinal fluid test, Brain imaging including PET, CT and EEG are very specific diagnostic methods for Alzheimer diagnosis.[17]

Figure 9:Diagnostic Methods for Alzheimer disease

Advantages of diagnostic methods

Diagnostic methods are essential tools used by healthcare professionals to identify the underlying cause of a patient’s illness or condition and can improve the effectiveness of problem detection. There are various advantages of diagnostic methods, these benefits highlight the importance of diagnostic methods in modern medicine and the significant impact they have on patient care. Some the advantages of diagnostic methods are discussed below.

Figure 10: Advantages of Diagnostic methods

Rapid identification of Diseases

Diagnostic methods can identify diseases rapidly at an early stage when the symptoms may not yet be visible or easily recognizable. Early detection of diseases enables healthcare professionals to provide prompt treatment, which can significantly improve the patient’s chances of recovery [18]

Accurate Diagnosis and control out break

Diagnostic procedures are used to provide a precise diagnosis of a patient’s condition which ultimately leads to control the outbreak. Accurate diagnosis is vital for effective treatment, as it ensures that patients receive the appropriate treatment for their specific condition [19]

Reduced Health Care Costs

Diagnostic methods can help reduce healthcare costs by enabling healthcare professionals to identify and treat conditions early, before they become more severe and require more extensive treatment. Early detection and treatment can also prevent hospitalization and reduce the length of hospital stays, resulting in lower healthcare costs [20]

Diagnostic methods are Non-Invasive

Many diagnostic methods are non-invasive, meaning they do not require surgical procedures or other invasive techniques. Non-invasive diagnostic methods are safer and less traumatic for patients, resulting in faster recovery times and fewer complications [21]

Challenges faced by diagnostic methods

Diagnostic methods are crucial in identifying and treating diseases and medical conditions. However, they are not without their challenges such as the sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic test measure how accurately it identifies a disease or condition. A highly sensitive test will correctly identify people who have the condition, but it may also identify people who do not have the condition (false positives). A highly specific test will only identify people who have the condition, but it may miss some people who have the condition (false negatives). Diagnostic tests are not 100% accurate, and false positives and false negatives can occur. False positives can lead to unnecessary treatments, while false negatives can lead to a delay in treatment, allowing the disease to progress [22] Another challenge is inadequate access to diagnostic treatment, some diagnostic tests are only available in specialized laboratories, making them inaccessible to people in remote areas or developing countries. The cost of diagnostic tests can also be prohibitive for some people, especially in low-income countries [23] In addition to this diagnostic test can be affected by many factors, including the timing of the test, the quality of the sample, and the skill of the technician performing the test. This variability can lead to inconsistencies in results and diagnostic tests can lead to overdiagnosis, where people are diagnosed with conditions that may never have caused them any harm. This can lead to overtreatment, where people receive unnecessary medical interventions that can have adverse effects. Furthermore, correct interpretation is also necessary so these tests require interpretation by trained professionals. If the results are misinterpreted, it can lead to incorrect diagnoses and treatment [24]

Overall, diagnostic methods play a crucial role in the practice of medicine, but they also have their limitations and challenges that need to be carefully considered and addressed.

Future Trends in diagnostic Methods

The future of diagnostic methods looks promising, with the development of new technologies and advancements in research. the future of diagnostic methods looks promising, with the potential for more personalized, accurate, and non-invasive testing methods. It is expected that these diagnostic techniques will be more acceptable in future in different ways like, they may be incorporated in products of our daily use such as tooth brush, mirror, bed toilet bowl in order to particularly diagnose problems further more wearable technology will also play a crucial role as a better diagnostic approach, these advancements could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life [25] It is expected that in future technology will give rise to new trends in diagnostic methods. The integration of diagnostic tools with technology will improve patients’ health and outcomes by enhancing the speed and accuracy of diagnostic procedures. Some of those diagnostic trends which will shape the future of health care are discussed below.

• Point of care Testing: In point of care testing, technology allows rapid testing of patients in the premise of their home. This testing provides early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. It can also reduce time of testing as well as simplifies testing procedure.
• Diagnosis in real time: Wearable technology is becoming very popular in health care applications. Wearable watches bands, smart textiles, glasses can detect various physical information’s including blood rate, heart rate, body motion and respiratory rate. In comparison to traditional diagnosis real time diagnosis is far better as it give more information in less time which ultimately leads to continuous monitoring and treatment.
• Clinical Decision support: Clinical decision support abbreviated as CDS is a tool that helps in diagnostic transformation. CDS tools helps physicians to decide treatment and diagnosis steps.
• Predictive Testing: Predictive testing have beneficial effects on human health. These tests can be used to predict risk of genetic disorder in a suspected person that might occur in future. The preventive measure for these diseases will enhance power of such testing techniques.

Conclusion

Diagnostic methods are essential tools for identifying and treating medical conditions. They range from physical examination and history-taking to laboratory tests, imaging studies, and genetic testing. Each method has its strengths and limitations, and healthcare providers must select the appropriate diagnostic method based on the type and severity of the condition being evaluated. Physical examination and history-taking are often the first steps in the diagnostic process, providing important information about a patient’s symptoms and medical history. Laboratory tests can provide valuable information about a patient’s overall health status, while imaging studies and genetic testing can help to diagnose structural abnormalities, injuries, or genetic disorders. By utilizing a combination of diagnostic methods, healthcare providers can develop a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health status and develop individualized treatment plans to address their specific needs. With continued advances in technology and research, we can expect to see even more accurate and efficient diagnostic methods in the future.

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