Diagnosis is all about getting to the bottom of a specific health concern. This happens after you’ve noticed symptoms or if a screening test flags something unusual. Diagnosis confirms whether you actually have a disease or condition.
This process uses more detailed and specific tests like blood work, biopsies, imaging scans (think MRI or CT scans), and physical exams. Diagnosis is focused and thorough—it’s the detective work doctors do to figure out exactly what’s going on.
What Is Diagnosis?
Diagnosis is the process that happens after there’s already a reason to suspect something might be wrong. Maybe you’ve started noticing symptoms—like persistent fatigue, unusual pain, unexplained weight loss, or changes in your skin. Or maybe you went for a routine screening, and the results came back a little off. That’s when your doctor shifts gears and begins the process of diagnosis.
Think of diagnosis as the medical equivalent of detective work. While screening casts a wide net, diagnosis zooms in with a magnifying glass. The goal is to determine exactly what’s going on in your body, so your doctor can recommend the most effective treatment.
This stage involves more specific, in-depth testing. For instance:
Blood tests might look at hormone levels, organ function, or specific markers that indicate inflammation, infection, or cancer.
Biopsies involve taking a small sample of tissue—like from a lump or mole—and examining it under a microscope to check for abnormal or cancerous cells.
Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds let doctors get a detailed look inside your body to detect fractures, tumors, or organ damage.
Physical exams and specialist assessments help gather context, especially if the issue relates to neurological, musculoskeletal, or autoimmune symptoms.
Do Health Screenings Help with Diagnosis?
Unlike a health screening, which might flag something with a simple “positive” or “negative” result, a diagnosis involves pulling together multiple pieces of a larger puzzle. That means doctors often need more than just lab values or scan results—they need the full picture.
Step one? Your doctor will start by asking detailed questions about your medical history and current symptoms. For example:
- When did your symptoms start?
- Are they getting worse or staying the same?
- Do they come and go, or are they constant?
- Are there any triggers or patterns you’ve noticed?
These questions may feel a little repetitive or overly detailed, but they’re critical. The timeline and context of your symptoms can help narrow down possible causes.
What Kind of Tests Do I Need for a Diagnosis?
Let’s say your doctor suspects a thyroid disorder. A single blood test might show that your thyroid hormone levels are abnormal, but that’s just the beginning. They might order additional hormone panels, antibody tests, or imaging to see if there’s inflammation, nodules, or something else going on. If things still aren’t clear, you might be referred to an endocrinologist for further evaluation.
In complex or less obvious cases, diagnosis is rarely linear. It’s a process of ruling out possibilities, running follow-up tests, and sometimes even trying a treatment to see how your body responds (a “diagnostic trial”). It’s not uncommon for this process to unfold over several weeks—or longer—especially if the symptoms are subtle, overlapping with multiple conditions, or change over time.
What Happens After a Health Screening?
Screenings can give three types of results: normal, abnormal, or inconclusive. A normal result means everything looks good and you can stick to your regular schedule. An abnormal result means more tests are needed to figure out what’s going on. And sometimes, results aren’t clear, requiring a repeat test or alternative method.
It’s important to follow up on abnormal or unclear results quickly. Early diagnosis can lead to better treatment options and outcomes.
When Should You Get a Screening vs. a Diagnosis?
It comes down to why you’re getting tested.
Get a screening when:
- You feel fine, but want to check for potential health issues before symptoms appear.
- You’re in a specific age group or risk category (e.g. women over 50 for mammograms, adults over 45 for diabetes).
- You’re doing routine health maintenance (like annual check-ups or preventive blood tests).
- There’s a family history of a certain condition (e.g. heart disease, cancer).
- You want to catch something early, while it’s still manageable or treatable—sometimes even reversible.
Get a diagnosis when:
- You have symptoms—pain, fatigue, lumps, changes in your body—or feel something is off.
- A screening test came back abnormal, and now you need further evaluation.
- You’re dealing with recurring issues (like headaches, stomach pain, or irregular periods).
- Your doctor suspects a specific condition and wants to confirm or rule it out.
Get Diagnosed After Your Health Screenings at Dr Prevents
Ultimately, diagnosis is about certainty. It turns a suspicion into a confirmed condition and is the foundation of a clear, targeted treatment plan. Without it, care can be delayed, misdirected, or even harmful. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly on symptoms and follow up on abnormal screening results.
Talk to your doctor about a screening plan that’s right for you. At Dr Prevent’s, our health screenings are thorough and we have a plan affordable for any patient. Contact your nearest clinic in KL or Selangor today to get a consultation.