Diagnostic testing helps with early diagnosis of disease

Diagnostic testing helps diagnosis disease

Doctors and health practitioners use diagnostic testing to screen for diseases in people.  The primary goal of diagnostic testing is the early identification of diseases.  Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland can perform a variety of diagnostic tests including lab work, x-rays, electrocardiograms, EKGs, cardiac stress tests, pulmonary function tests, drug screenings, and toxic substances screenings. 

Diagnostic testing accuracy

While never 100 percent accurate, most diagnostic tests are very accurate and help to identify the possibility of a disease early on.  Diagnostic testing may not be right for everyone.  There are some groups of people who can benefit from certain diagnostic testing such as people with a history of colorectal cancer who should have regular colonoscopies or colorectal examinations.  It also includes women who should undergo Pap smears and mammograms regularly.  Some of the most reliable diagnostic testing is for cardiac disease.  There are several risk factors for this disease and determining if a person has any of these can help a physician with diagnosis.   

High blood pressure is not only a risk factor for heart disease, but also for kidney failure, stroke, and eye problems.  At Germantown Primary Care Associates, our health care staff conduct blood pressure checks every time a patient arrives for an appointment.  Normal blood pressure is no higher than 140/90 and usually the lower the blood pressure, the lower the risk of more serious diseases.  If a patient has a high blood pressure reading, the physician will typically ask for at least three blood pressure readings over a certain period of time. 

It is always a good idea to undergo diagnostic testing if your doctor recommends it. The primary care doctors and staff at Germantown Primary Care Associates are experts in diagnostic testing, so call them today for your annual health screening.