Medical Testing

by Michael O'Brien

In one form or another, the practice of medical testing has existed for thousands of years. From the most basic physical examination to today's sophisticated medical imaging, medical testing has been the basis for wondrous and life-saving advancements in medical science. Blood testing, radiographic testing, neurological testing, biopsies, bacterial cultures, even the simple process of testing for body temperature are not only routine types of medical testing but can aid physicians and other medical professionals determine things from illness and disease to cause of death.

While early medical testing does not compare to the sophisticated tests and screenings used today, every question asked and answered by a patient, every reaction to stimulus and every laboratory test result has the potential of advancing the practice of medicine. Today, medical testing is used to diagnose a patient's condition, test or screen for diseases, track the response to treatment protocols and help physicians understand the onset or cause of illness. A single sample of blood can yield a wealth of information vital to patient health and treatment. From cholesterol and blood glucose levels to the presence of certain chemicals and now even genetic factors can all be ascertained from relatively simple and inexpensive blood testing.

Medical testing can be placed into two basic categories, invasive and noninvasive. An example of noninvasive medical testing is a simple x ray. Using various levels of radiation, images can be produced that can show a simple bone fracture to certain tumors. Other types of medical imagery such as magnetic resonance images, MRI, to computed axial tomography, CT scanning are all examples of noninvasive medical testing. Examples of invasive medical testing include biopsy where a sample of tissue is removed from the body and examined for the presence of diseases such as cancer.

The information contained in the article is not meant to replace competent medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional.