Top 48 Slang For Diagnostic – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to navigating the world of healthcare and medical jargon, understanding the latest slang for diagnostic can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or just someone looking to decode your latest lab results, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we break down the most common diagnostic terms in a way that’s easy to grasp and might just save you a trip to Google!

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1. DX

This is a shorthand term for “diagnosis” and is commonly used in medical settings to refer to the process of identifying a patient’s condition or illness.

For example, a doctor might say, “We need to run some tests to make a proper DX.”
In a medical chart, you might see a note like, “Patient presents with abdominal pain. Further DX required.”
A nurse might ask a patient, “Have you received a DX for your symptoms yet?”

2. Eval

This term is short for “evaluation” and is often used in healthcare to refer to the process of assessing a patient’s condition or progress.

For instance, a therapist might say, “We will conduct an initial eval to determine the appropriate treatment plan.”
In a mental health setting, a doctor might discuss an eval with a patient, saying, “We need to do a comprehensive eval to understand your symptoms better.”
A nurse might document an eval in a patient’s chart, stating, “Patient’s cognitive function was assessed during the eval, and deficits were noted.”

3. Workup

This term refers to the comprehensive process of examining a patient’s symptoms or condition to determine a diagnosis or treatment plan.

For example, a doctor might say, “We need to do a full workup to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms.”
In a hospital setting, a nurse might discuss a patient’s workup with a colleague, saying, “The patient’s workup is still ongoing, but we suspect an infection.”
A medical student might write in their notes, “The patient’s workup included blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination.”

4. Check-up

This term refers to a routine medical examination or assessment to monitor a person’s general health or specific condition.

For instance, a doctor might say, “It’s time for your annual check-up to make sure everything is in order.”
A parent might schedule a check-up for their child, saying, “I want to take my child for a check-up before the school year starts.”
A nurse might remind a patient, “Don’t forget to come in for your regular check-up to manage your chronic condition.”

5. Screen

This term is often used to describe the process of conducting tests or examinations to identify a specific condition or risk factor.

For example, a doctor might say, “We will screen for diabetes by checking your blood sugar levels.”
In a prenatal setting, a healthcare provider might discuss a genetic screening with an expectant parent, saying, “The screening will help determine the risk of certain genetic disorders.”
A nurse might document a screening in a patient’s chart, stating, “Patient screened negative for tuberculosis during the annual screening process.”

6. Scan

A scan refers to a medical imaging procedure that uses technology to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions.

For example, a doctor might order a CT scan to examine the brain for any abnormalities.
A patient might say, “I had an MRI scan to check for any injuries to my knee.”
In a discussion about medical tests, someone might ask, “Has anyone had a PET scan before?”

7. Lab work

Lab work refers to the process of conducting various tests on samples of bodily fluids, tissues, or other substances in a laboratory setting. It is an important part of the diagnostic process and helps healthcare professionals gather information about a patient’s health.

For instance, a doctor might order lab work to check a patient’s cholesterol levels.
A person might say, “I had to give blood for lab work to determine the cause of my symptoms.”
In a conversation about medical check-ups, someone might mention, “Lab work is usually done as part of a routine physical examination.”

8. Biopsy

A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the body for examination under a microscope. It is often used to diagnose or rule out certain diseases or conditions.

For example, a doctor might perform a skin biopsy to determine if a mole is cancerous.
A patient might say, “I had a biopsy of my lung tissue to confirm the presence of a tumor.”
In a discussion about cancer diagnosis, someone might mention, “A biopsy is usually necessary to determine the type and stage of cancer.”

9. Scope

Scope is a slang term for an endoscope, which is a long, flexible tube with a light and camera attached that is used to visualize and examine the inside of the body. It is often used in procedures such as colonoscopies or arthroscopies.

For instance, a doctor might say, “We need to perform a scope to investigate the cause of your gastrointestinal symptoms.”
A patient might ask, “Will I be asleep during the scope procedure?”
In a conversation about medical procedures, someone might mention, “I had a scope done on my knee to repair a torn ligament.”

10. Bloodwork

Bloodwork refers to the collection and analysis of blood samples to gather information about a person’s health. It involves various tests that can provide valuable insights into a patient’s overall well-being and help diagnose certain medical conditions.

For example, a doctor might order bloodwork to check for diabetes or anemia.
A person might say, “I had to fast before my bloodwork appointment.”
In a discussion about routine check-ups, someone might mention, “Bloodwork is usually part of a comprehensive health assessment.”

11. Imaging

Refers to the use of various techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasounds, to create detailed images of the inside of the body for diagnostic purposes.

For example, a doctor might say, “We need to schedule an imaging test to get a better look at your injury.”
A patient might ask, “How long does the imaging procedure usually take?”
In a medical report, it might state, “The imaging results revealed a small tumor in the patient’s lung.”

12. Test

A procedure or evaluation performed to determine the presence or absence of a specific condition or disease. Tests can include blood tests, urine tests, genetic tests, etc.

For instance, a doctor might order a blood test to check for certain infections.
A patient might ask, “What kind of tests will be done to diagnose my symptoms?”
In a medical context, it might state, “The test results showed elevated levels of cholesterol.”

13. Panel

Refers to a group of medical experts or specialists who come together to review and discuss a patient’s case, test results, or treatment plan.

For example, a doctor might say, “We need to present this case to the panel to get their input.”
A patient might ask, “Who will be on the panel reviewing my case?”
In a medical report, it might state, “The panel recommended a combination of chemotherapy and radiation for the patient’s cancer treatment.”

14. Chart review

The process of reviewing a patient’s medical chart or electronic health record to gather information about their medical history, previous diagnoses, treatments, and test results.

For instance, a doctor might say, “I need to do a chart review before making a diagnosis.”
A patient might ask, “Will the chart review include all my previous test results?”
In a medical report, it might state, “The chart review revealed a pattern of high blood pressure in the patient’s history.”

15. Physical

A comprehensive examination of a person’s body to assess their overall health and detect any potential medical issues. This can include measurements, tests, and observations.

For example, a doctor might say, “It’s time for your annual physical.”
A patient might ask, “What should I expect during the physical?”
In a medical context, it might state, “The physical examination revealed no abnormalities.”

16. ECG

An ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is commonly used to diagnose heart conditions or monitor the heart’s health.

For example, a doctor might say, “We need to perform an ECG to check for any irregularities in your heart’s rhythm.”
A patient might ask, “Will the ECG show if I’ve had a heart attack?”
During a medical conference, a researcher might present, “Our study found a correlation between abnormal ECG results and increased risk of heart disease.”

17. X-ray

An X-ray is a type of imaging test that uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of the inside of the body. It is commonly used to diagnose bone fractures, lung infections, or other conditions.

For instance, a doctor might say, “We’ll need to take an X-ray of your arm to see if it’s broken.”
A patient might ask, “Do I need to remove any jewelry before getting an X-ray?”
A radiologist might interpret an X-ray image and report, “The X-ray shows a clear fracture in the patient’s left ankle.”

18. Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is commonly used to monitor pregnancies, diagnose organ abnormalities, or guide medical procedures.

For example, a doctor might say, “We’ll perform an ultrasound to check the development of your baby.”
A pregnant woman might ask, “Can I find out the gender of my baby through an ultrasound?”
A radiologist might review an ultrasound image and report, “The ultrasound shows a cyst in the patient’s liver.”

19. MRI

An MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is commonly used to diagnose or monitor a wide range of medical conditions.

For instance, a doctor might say, “We’ll schedule an MRI to get a better look at the tumor.”
A patient might ask, “Do I need to remove any metal objects before getting an MRI?”
A radiologist might analyze an MRI scan and report, “The MRI reveals a herniated disc in the patient’s spine.”

20. CT scan

A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging test that combines X-ray technology with computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the body. It is commonly used to diagnose or monitor various medical conditions, including injuries, tumors, or infections.

For example, a doctor might say, “We’ll order a CT scan to evaluate the extent of the head injury.”
A patient might ask, “Will I need to drink a contrast dye before the CT scan?”
A radiologist might interpret a CT scan and report, “The CT scan shows a blockage in the patient’s coronary artery.”

21. PET scan

A PET scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a radioactive substance to produce detailed images of the body’s organs and tissues. It is commonly used to detect and monitor diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, a doctor might order a PET scan to determine the extent of cancer spread in a patient.
A patient might say, “I had a PET scan last week to check for any abnormalities in my brain.”
A radiologist might discuss the benefits of a PET scan, saying, “PET scans provide valuable information about a patient’s metabolism and blood flow.”

22. Echo

An echo, short for echocardiogram, is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart. It provides information about the heart’s structure and function, helping doctors diagnose and monitor various heart conditions.

For instance, a cardiologist might order an echo to assess the pumping function of the heart.
A patient might say, “I had an echo done after experiencing chest pain to rule out any heart problems.”
A doctor might explain the procedure to a patient, saying, “During the echo, a technician will place a probe on your chest to capture images of your heart.”

23. Echo stress test

An echo stress test, also known as a stress echocardiogram, combines an echocardiogram with physical exercise or medication to evaluate the heart’s response to stress. It helps diagnose coronary artery disease and assess the heart’s blood flow under exertion.

For example, a cardiologist might order an echo stress test to evaluate chest pain during exercise.
A patient might say, “I had an echo stress test to determine if my heart is healthy enough for physical activity.”
A doctor might explain the purpose of the test, saying, “The echo stress test allows us to assess how well your heart functions under stress and identify any abnormalities.”

24. Holter monitor

A Holter monitor is a portable device that records the heart’s electrical activity over a 24 to 48-hour period. It is used to detect irregular heart rhythms or monitor the effectiveness of cardiac treatments.

For instance, a cardiologist might prescribe a Holter monitor to investigate episodes of palpitations.
A patient might say, “I wore a Holter monitor for a day to capture any abnormal heart rhythms.”
A doctor might discuss the benefits of a Holter monitor, saying, “The Holter monitor provides valuable information about a patient’s heart rhythm outside of the clinic or hospital setting.”

25. Tune-up

In the context of diagnostic slang, a “tune-up” refers to a routine check-up or examination performed by a healthcare professional. It can involve various tests and assessments to evaluate a person’s overall health and detect any underlying medical conditions.

For example, a doctor might recommend a tune-up for a patient who hasn’t had a check-up in a while.
A patient might say, “I scheduled a tune-up with my primary care physician to make sure everything is okay.”
A healthcare provider might highlight the importance of regular tune-ups, saying, “Routine check-ups are essential for maintaining good health and catching any potential issues early on.”

26. Work-up

A comprehensive evaluation or investigation of a patient’s medical condition, typically involving various tests, procedures, and consultations. The term “work-up” is often used to describe the process of diagnosing and determining the appropriate treatment for a patient.

For example, a doctor might say, “We need to do a complete work-up to determine the cause of your symptoms.”
In a medical journal article, the author might write, “The patient underwent a thorough work-up including blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination.”
A nurse might document in a patient’s chart, “Work-up in progress to rule out any underlying conditions.”

27. Assessment

The process of gathering information and making judgments or evaluations about a patient’s medical condition. An assessment involves careful observation, examination, and analysis of symptoms, signs, and test results to form a diagnosis or treatment plan.

For instance, a doctor might say, “Based on my assessment, I believe you have a respiratory infection.”
A nurse might perform a quick assessment of a patient’s vital signs and report, “The patient’s blood pressure is stable, but their heart rate is elevated.”
In a medical report, a radiologist might write, “The imaging assessment revealed a fracture in the patient’s left wrist.”

28. Inspection

The act of visually examining or observing a patient’s body or a specific area for signs of disease, injury, or abnormalities. Inspection is often the first step in a diagnostic process and involves looking for physical cues or visual indications of a medical condition.

For example, a doctor might say, “During the inspection, I noticed a rash on the patient’s arms.”
A nurse might perform an inspection of a wound and note, “The inspection revealed signs of infection, including redness and swelling.”
In a medical textbook, the author might describe the importance of inspection in diagnosing skin disorders.

29. Evaluation

The process of assessing or appraising a patient’s medical condition, usually involving the collection and analysis of data from various sources. Evaluation involves reviewing medical history, conducting physical examinations, and interpreting test results to form a diagnosis or treatment plan.

For instance, a doctor might say, “Based on my evaluation, I recommend further testing to determine the cause of your symptoms.”
A nurse might document in a patient’s chart, “Ongoing evaluation of vital signs to monitor the patient’s condition.”
A medical researcher might conduct an evaluation of a new treatment method to assess its effectiveness.

30. Analysis

The process of examining and interpreting data, test results, or other information to gain insights or draw conclusions about a patient’s medical condition. Analysis involves applying knowledge and expertise to interpret findings and make informed decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment, or further investigation.

For example, a doctor might say, “Based on my analysis of the lab results, I suspect a bacterial infection.”
A radiologist might analyze an X-ray image and report, “The analysis reveals a fracture in the patient’s right ankle.”
In a research study, the authors might describe their statistical analysis of data to determine correlations or trends.

31. Testing

The process of examining or evaluating something to determine its quality, performance, or reliability. In the context of diagnostics, testing refers to the systematic process of evaluating the functionality or effectiveness of a system, device, or procedure.

For example, a software engineer might say, “We need to run some testing to identify and fix any bugs in the code.”
A doctor might order diagnostic testing to determine the cause of a patient’s symptoms.
A quality control manager might say, “We conduct rigorous testing to ensure our products meet the highest standards of safety and performance.”

32. Probe

To explore or examine something in order to gather information or gain insight. In the context of diagnostics, a probe refers to a device or instrument used to investigate or explore a specific area or aspect of a system or body.

For instance, a mechanic might use a diagnostic probe to identify the source of a car’s electrical problem.
A journalist might probe a source for more information on a breaking news story.
A doctor might use a probe to examine a patient’s internal organs during a medical procedure.

33. Review

A critical examination or assessment of something, often with the intention of making improvements or providing feedback. In the context of diagnostics, a review refers to the process of evaluating and analyzing data, information, or results to determine their accuracy, quality, or effectiveness.

For example, a teacher might review a student’s test answers to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement.
A product manager might conduct a review of customer feedback to identify areas for product enhancement.
A software developer might conduct a code review to identify and fix any potential issues or bugs.

34. Survey

A method of collecting data or information by asking a series of questions to a group of people. In the context of diagnostics, a survey refers to the process of gathering information or opinions from a specific population or sample.

For instance, a market researcher might conduct a survey to gather insights on consumer preferences and behavior.
A healthcare provider might administer a survey to assess patient satisfaction with their services.
A social scientist might conduct a survey to gather data on public opinion or attitudes towards a specific issue.

35. Observation

The act of watching or closely examining something in order to gain information or insights. In the context of diagnostics, observation refers to the process of monitoring and examining a system, behavior, or phenomenon to gather data or make assessments.

For example, a psychologist might observe a patient’s behavior to gather insights and make a diagnosis.
A wildlife biologist might observe animal behavior in their natural habitat to study their habits and interactions.
A quality control inspector might observe the production process to ensure compliance with quality standards.

36. Diagnosis

This refers to the process of determining the cause or nature of a problem or condition, often in the medical field. It involves analyzing symptoms, conducting tests, and making a conclusion about the underlying issue.

For example, a doctor might say, “Based on your symptoms and test results, I can make a diagnosis of pneumonia.”
A patient might ask, “How long does it usually take to receive a diagnosis?”
In a medical discussion, someone might mention, “Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment.”

37. Scrutiny

This term refers to a careful and thorough examination or inspection. It involves paying attention to details and analyzing something closely.

For instance, a detective might say, “We need to put this suspect under scrutiny to gather more evidence.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might argue, “The government’s actions need to be subjected to scrutiny to ensure transparency.”
A journalist might write, “The company’s financial statements are under scrutiny following allegations of fraud.”

38. Check-in

This term refers to the process of registering or confirming one’s arrival at a particular place, such as a hotel, airport, or event.

For example, a hotel receptionist might say, “Please proceed to the front desk for check-in.”
A traveler might ask, “What time is the check-in for this flight?”
In a conference, someone might announce, “The check-in for the workshop will begin at 9 am.”

39. Check-out

This term refers to the process of settling one’s bill and leaving a particular place, such as a hotel or rental property.

For instance, a hotel receptionist might say, “Please return your room key during check-out.”
A customer might ask, “What time is the check-out for this Airbnb?”
In a conversation about travel experiences, someone might mention, “The check-out process at that hotel was quick and efficient.”

40. Monitoring

This term refers to the act of closely observing or tracking something over time, often to gather information or ensure it is functioning properly.

For example, a doctor might say, “We will need to monitor your blood pressure regularly.”
A supervisor might instruct, “Make sure to monitor the progress of the project and report any issues.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might mention, “The software has a built-in monitoring system to track user activity.”

41. Diag

Short for “diagnostic,” this term refers to the process of identifying and analyzing problems or issues in a system or device. It is often used in technical or medical contexts.

For example, a computer technician might say, “I need to run a diag on your computer to figure out why it’s crashing.”
In a medical setting, a doctor might say, “We will need to perform a diag to determine the cause of your symptoms.”
A car mechanic might say, “Let me do a diag on your engine to see why it’s making that strange noise.”

42. Test-run

Refers to the act of testing or trying out something to see if it works properly or meets expectations. It is often used in the context of evaluating the functionality or performance of a system or process.

For instance, a software developer might say, “Let’s do a test-run of the new feature to make sure it’s working correctly.”
A chef might say, “Before serving the dish, I always do a test-run to ensure it tastes just right.”
A pilot might say, “We need to do a test-run of the emergency procedures to ensure we’re prepared for any situation.”

43. Probing

Refers to the act of exploring or investigating a problem or issue in order to gather more information or find a solution. It is often used in the context of diagnosing technical or medical problems.

For example, a network administrator might say, “I’m currently probing the network to identify any security vulnerabilities.”
A detective might say, “We’re still probing the crime scene for any additional evidence.”
A doctor might say, “I’ll need to do some probing to determine the cause of your symptoms.”

44. Troubleshooting

Refers to the process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems or issues in a system or device. It is often used in technical contexts, such as computer troubleshooting or troubleshooting electrical systems.

For instance, a customer support representative might say, “I’ll guide you through the troubleshooting process to fix your internet connection.”
An electrician might say, “Troubleshooting electrical systems requires a systematic approach.”
A mechanic might say, “I’ll start troubleshooting the engine to find out why it won’t start.”

45. Examination

Refers to the act of carefully inspecting or assessing something in order to gather information or make a diagnosis. It is often used in medical or academic contexts.

For example, a doctor might say, “I’ll need to conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of your symptoms.”
A teacher might say, “The final examination will test your understanding of the course material.”
A quality control inspector might say, “I’ll perform a detailed examination of the product to ensure it meets the required standards.”

46. Monitor

To monitor something means to keep a close watch or observation on it. In the context of diagnostics, monitoring refers to the continuous observation or tracking of a system, process, or condition to detect any changes or abnormalities.

For example, a doctor might say, “We need to monitor your blood pressure regularly to ensure it stays within a healthy range.”
In a technical context, an engineer might say, “The software monitors the system’s performance and alerts us to any issues.”
A teacher might tell a student, “Make sure to monitor your progress throughout the semester to stay on track.”

47. Lookover

To give something a lookover means to quickly examine or inspect it. In the context of diagnostics, a lookover refers to a brief assessment or evaluation of a system, object, or situation to identify any obvious issues or problems.

For instance, a mechanic might say, “Let me give your car a quick lookover to see if I spot anything concerning.”
In a medical setting, a nurse might perform a lookover of a patient’s vital signs to ensure they are stable.
A teacher might do a lookover of a student’s homework to quickly assess their understanding of the material.

48. Inquiry

An inquiry in the context of diagnostics refers to a systematic investigation or examination of a problem, situation, or condition to gather information and find a solution or explanation. It involves asking questions, gathering data, and analyzing evidence.

For example, a detective might conduct an inquiry to solve a crime by interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.
In a scientific context, researchers might conduct inquiries to investigate the effects of a new drug by conducting experiments and analyzing data.
A customer service representative might conduct an inquiry to investigate a customer’s complaint and find a resolution.