The Role of Disease Detection and Monitoring Tests
Disease detection and monitoring is used to identify a condition and during treatment of an illness. Being able to accurately detect disease and then monitor the effectiveness of a treatment is crucial for effective care. Early detection and treatment can help control a disease’s progress, reduce symptoms, and improve the quality of life for people with many illnesses.
Who should get disease detection and monitoring tests?
Disease detection and monitoring is generally used if you are experiencing symptoms of an illness or undergoing prolonged treatment. But screening tests can be performed when no symptoms are present. In the case of screening tests, the goal is to detect an illness early so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Screening tests are often used to determine if additional diagnostic testing is necessary.
Types of Disease Detection and Monitoring Tests
There are many different types of diagnostic tests and methods of monitoring a disease over time. The tests and methods used in your case will vary based on your age, overall health and medical condition, as well as the treatment your health care provider prescribes. Diagnosis, screening and monitoring may involve physical exams, oral swabs, urine tests, blood tests, or medical imaging.
These are some of the tests that are used for disease detection and monitoring:
More Disease Detection and Monitoring Tests
Getting Disease Detection and Monitoring Tests
Disease detection and monitoring tests are often ordered by a health care provider. A doctor may order certain tests based on symptoms you’re experiencing or to detect a potential health disorder if you aren’t having symptoms. Before ordering a test, the doctor will ask about your family’s medical history and symptoms and may perform a physical exam.
Disease detection and monitoring is usually performed in a hospital or doctor’s office, although clinics may also be able to perform the necessary tests depending on the condition being tested for and monitored.
Costs of disease detection and monitoring tests
The cost will vary by location and test type. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.
Types of sample collection
The sample for disease detection and monitoring will depend on the particular test you’re taking. Blood and urine, or medical imaging such as ultrasounds, X-rays, and MRIs are the most common specimens used.
Getting test results
You may receive results of disease detection and monitoring tests during a follow-up appointment with your doctor, over the phone, or through online medical charts. It’s important to discuss test results with a health care professional who can help you determine the right next steps and answer your questions about test results.
If test results are positive, begin treatment as early as possible to reduce the chance of health complications and manage symptoms. Your doctor can help you make a plan for your treatment and can discuss how often you should monitor your progress.
Sources
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Screening Tests for Common Diseases. Date unknown. Accessed October 3, 2022. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/screening-tests-for-common-diseases
Soleimany AP, Bhatia SN. Activity-Based Diagnostics: An Emerging Paradigm for Disease Detection and Monitoring. Trends in Molecular Med. 2020;26(5):450-468
doi: https://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-4914(20)30041-1
National Cancer Institute. Diagnosis. Accessed October 3, 2022. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/diagnosis
Chiong W. Diagnosing and Defining Disease. JAMA. 2001;285(1):89-90. doi:10.1001/jama.285.1.89-JMS0103-2-1
