screening tests

Published

What are some initial screening tests that can be performed to rule out conditions that do not account for a patient's displayed symptoms?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

Would depend (highly) on which symptoms we were talking about. Is there a more specific scenario?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

A doctor would not order tests to rule out conditions that would not fit the profile of the symptoms the patient is displaying. He would look at the symptoms and test for the most common diseases causing those symptoms first. He would work on the most likely reason causing the symptoms. Ruling out a diagnosis can become very costly. Doctors are taught how to do differential diagnosing.

If you are referring to screening during physical exams of a healthy person these would be things like mammograms, stool for occult blood, breast and testicular checks, vital signs, CBC, chemistry panel, EKG. A lot would depend on the age of the patient.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion