Diagnostic tests: use and interpretation

Abstract

The diagnostic tests are a fundamental component of the clinical practice; not only for the diagnosis but also for the patients"(TM) daily care, for making decisions related to the prognosis, and even for defi ning public health policies in the scope of indications and usefulness of screening tests, making the diagnosis is not a goal by itself. It is only done if it leads to a specifi c action or a clinical decision, and this decision does not always imply therapeutic interventions. This review shows in a very practical way the basic elements for using and interpreting the diagnostic tests. The general principles that rule the diagnostic tests, their use and interpretation, are equally applicable to the basic components of the clinical history such as anamnesis and fi ndings in the physical examination.