A Complete Guide to Diagnostic Tests in India

Feeling unwell or just want to be proactive about your health? Your journey to understanding your body often starts with a diagnostic test. Diagnostic tests, also known as medical or lab tests, are the essential tools doctors use to look inside your body, identify health issues, and keep you healthy. This ultimate guide will walk you through the world of diagnostic tests, explaining the different types, their purpose, and how you can easily get them done.

Diagnostic tests are medical procedures used to gather specific information about your health. They help doctors to:

• Diagnose Diseases: Identify the cause of your symptoms.
• Screen for Risks: Detect health problems before symptoms even appear, like in a preventive health checkup.
• Monitor Conditions: Track the progress of a chronic condition like diabetes or thyroid disease.
• Check Organ Function: See how well organs like your kidneys, liver, and heart are working.

From a simple blood test to a detailed MRI scan, these procedures provide objective data, helping you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health.

Medical tests can be broadly categorized based on what they analyse and the technology they use. Here are the most common types available in India.

1. Laboratory Tests (Pathology)

These tests analyse samples of blood, urine, or body tissues.

Blood Tests: The most common type of lab test. A small blood sample can reveal a wealth of information about your health.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for infection, anaemia, and other disorders.
• Blood Sugar Tests (HbA1c): To diagnose and monitor diabetes.
• Lipid Profile: Measures cholesterol levels to assess heart disease risk.
• Liver Function Test (LFT): Assesses the health of your liver.
• Kidney Function Test (KFT): Checks how well your kidneys are working.

Urine Tests (Urinalysis): Can help detect kidney problems, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and diabetes.

Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope, usually to check for cancer.

2. Imaging Tests (Radiology)

These tests create pictures of the inside of your body.

• X-Ray: Uses a small dose of radiation to create images of bones and some soft tissues. Commonly used for fractures and chest issues.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Combines multiple X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional views of organs, bones, and tissues.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of soft tissues, like the brain, spine, and joints.
• Ultrasound (Sonography): Uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images. It's commonly used during pregnancy and to view organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

3. Cardiac (Heart) Tests

These tests specifically check the health and function of your heart.

• ECG (Electrocardiogram): Records the electrical activity of the heart to detect irregular heartbeats and other cardiac problems.
• Echocardiogram (Echo): An ultrasound of the heart that shows how your heart's chambers and valves are pumping blood.

Preparation depends on the specific test. However, here are some general guidelines:

Ask Your Doctor: Always get clear instructions from your doctor or the lab. Fasting: Some tests, like a fasting blood sugar or lipid profile, require you to not eat or drink anything (except water) for 8-12 hours. Medications: Inform the lab about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some might interfere with results. Comfortable Clothing: For imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan, wear loose, comfortable clothing without any metal parts.

Your test report can seem confusing, filled with numbers, technical terms, and ranges.

Reference Range: Most reports will show your result alongside a normal or reference range. This range represents the typical values for a healthy person. Positive/Negative: Some tests (like for infections) give a simple positive or negative result. The Crucial Step: Never self-diagnose based on a lab report. Always discuss your results with your doctor. They will interpret them in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and medical history to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Getting a medical test done is now simpler than ever.

• Consult a Doctor: Get a recommendation for the right test for your symptoms.
• Find a Lab: Use the Bajaj Finserv Health platform to find accredited and trusted labs near you.
• Book Online: You can book a lab test online in just a few clicks. Compare prices, check lab ratings, and choose a time slot that works for you.
• Home Sample Collection: For most blood and urine tests, you can opt for convenient home sample collection, saving you a trip to the lab.

1. What is the difference between a screening test and a diagnostic test?

A screening test (like a routine health checkup) is done to detect potential health issues in people who have no symptoms. A diagnostic test is done to find the cause of existing symptoms.

2. Do I need a doctor's prescription to book a lab test?

While many wellness tests and health checkups can be booked without a prescription, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor first. A prescription is often required for more advanced tests.

3. How long does it take to get test results?

It varies. Simple blood test results are often available within 24 hours. Complex tests or biopsies may take several days.

4. What is a full body checkup?

A full body checkup is a package of several screening tests (like CBC, LFT, KFT, Lipid Profile, Thyroid Profile) designed to give a general overview of your health.

5. Are diagnostic tests safe?

Yes. Reputable labs use sterile, single-use equipment. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans use very low, controlled doses of radiation, and the benefits almost always outweigh the minimal risks.