Diagnostic Facilities in Modern Hospitals

Diagnostic Facilities in Modern Hospitals

Introduction

·       Diagnostic facilities refer to the tools, techniques, and infrastructure used in hospitals to identify and evaluate diseases or conditions.

·       These facilities aid in clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and monitoring patient progress.

Classification of Diagnostic Tools

Type of Diagnostic Tool	Description	Examples
Non-Invasive	Do not require entry into the body or puncturing of the skin.	X-ray, MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound
Invasive	Require insertion of instruments or puncturing the body.	Endoscopy, Biopsy, Cardiac catheterization

Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tools

1. X-ray (Radiography)

• Purpose: Bone fractures, lung infections, chest conditions
• How it works: Uses electromagnetic radiation
• Common Use: Chest X-ray, Limb injuries

2. Ultrasound (Sonography)

• Purpose: Abdominal, pelvic organs, fetal imaging
• How it works: Uses high-frequency sound waves
• Common Use: Pregnancy, gallstones, kidney stones

3. CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

• Purpose: Brain injuries, internal organ issues, cancer detection
• How it works: Multiple X-rays from different angles, computer-processed
• Common Use: Head trauma, stroke, tumors

4. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

• Purpose: Soft tissues, brain, spinal cord, joints
• How it works: Magnetic field + radio waves
• Common Use: Spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, joint disorders

5. ECG (Electrocardiogram)

• Purpose: Heart rhythm, myocardial infarction
• How it works: Electrical signals of the heart
• Common Use: Cardiac monitoring

6. EEG (Electroencephalogram)

• Purpose: Brain activity, epilepsy, brain death
• How it works: Electrodes on the scalp measure brain activity
• Common Use: Seizures, sleep disorders

7. Mammography

• Purpose: Breast cancer screening
• How it works: Low-dose X-rays
• Common Use: Breast lumps, cancer detection

8. Pulse Oximetry

• Purpose: Oxygen saturation in blood
• How it works: Light absorption through finger
• Common Use: Respiratory patients, during anesthesia

9. TMT (Treadmill Test / Stress Test)

• Purpose: Detect ischemic heart disease
• How it works: ECG under physical stress (treadmill)
• Common Use: Cardiac risk evaluation

Invasive Diagnostic Tools

1. Endoscopy

• Purpose: Examine internal organs (GI tract, respiratory tract)
• How it works: A flexible tube with camera inserted into body
• Types: Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy, Bronchoscopy

2. Biopsy

• Purpose: Detect presence/type of disease (usually cancer)
• How it works: Tissue sample taken and analyzed
• Types: Needle biopsy, punch biopsy, excisional biopsy

3. FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology)

• Purpose: Diagnose tumors, swellings
• How it works: Thin needle used to aspirate cells
• Common Use: Breast lumps, lymph nodes

4. Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

• Purpose: Diagnose meningitis, MS, CNS disorders
• How it works: Needle inserted into spinal canal to collect CSF

5. Cardiac Catheterization (Angiography)

• Purpose: Check coronary artery blockage
• How it works: Catheter inserted into artery, contrast dye used
• Common Use: Heart attack, chest pain evaluation

6. Amniocentesis

• Purpose: Prenatal diagnosis of genetic conditions
• How it works: Needle inserted into uterus to collect amniotic fluid

7. Laparoscopy (Diagnostic)

• Purpose: Inspect abdominal organs
• How it works: Camera inserted through small abdominal incision
• Common Use: Infertility, abdominal pain

 Modern Diagnostic Departments in Hospitals

Department	Key Tools
Radiology	X-ray, MRI, CT, Mammography, Fluoroscopy
Pathology	Biopsy, Cytology, FNAC, Histopathology
Microbiology	Blood, urine, stool cultures; PCR tests
Biochemistry	Blood sugar, lipid profile, liver function tests
Cardiology Lab	ECG, Echocardiography, TMT, Holter Monitoring
Neurology Lab	EEG, EMG, NCV
Pulmonology Lab	Spirometry, Bronchoscopy
Gastroenterology	Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Liver Biopsy

Importance of Diagnostic Tools

Benefit	Description
Early Detection	Helps catch diseases before symptoms worsen
Monitoring Progress	Track disease improvement or deterioration
Guiding Treatment	Choose appropriate treatment based on diagnosis
Preventive Care	Detect risks before complications arise
Evidence-Based Medicine	Support clinical decision with objective findings

Safety, Quality & Regulation

• NABL Accreditation for labs
• AERB safety guidelines for radiology
• Infection Control in invasive procedures
• Digital Reporting & PACS for efficient record-keeping
• Consent & Patient Rights for invasive diagnostics

Video Description

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