Diagnostics

Objectives

1.

• To understand the purpose of diagnosis

2.

• To learn about the tools available to the doctor

3.

• To appreciate the development of diagnostic techniques.

The key: The patients history

Patient History

1.

• Symptoms• Duration of symptoms

2.

• Family history• Environment/life-style

3.

• Existing medication• Past treatments

Biometric tests

Checks

Taking samples

Biopsies

Can be of many different body tissues. This is of bone marrow. Will not be done by a general practitioner.

Scans

1.• Ultrasound

2.• X-Rays

3.• CAT Scans

4.• MRI scans

5.• Endoscopy

Ultrasound

1.• Used in pregnant women to

check development of babies.

2.• Why is it used in preference

to X-rays

3.• What sort of things do they

check using the scan?

X Rays

X-rays penetrate flesh and can be used to lok at internal organs and bones.

Used to identify breaks and masses

Tissues can be flouresced with radioactive materials or contrasted in other ways: barium meal

CAT Scans

Uses x-ray images to create a 3D image from slices through the patient.

Used for diagnostic and preventative medicine.

May require injection of dyes etc. to provide contrast. (about ½ of those done!)

MRI: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Used for much the same purpose as CAT but image made by a strong magnet so no exposure to ionising radiation.

Cannot be used if you´ve got bits of metal in body

Diffusion MRI

Measures diffusion of water molecules and can be used to diagnose neurological disorders.

Task

Working in pairs you will learn about a disease and develop a medical play in which you act out the diagnostic process and discuss treatment options.

I will provide the disease.

Diseases

Disease Pair

Type 2 diabetes Michelle and Mariana

Lung cancer Valeria O ,Valeria V

Breast cancer Sebastián and Melissa

Muscular sclerosis Natalia, Claudia

Syphilis Carlos and Nicole

An anuerism in the brain patient is a child!

Karen , Ceci and Romina

Rubric

Marks History Take measurements

Identify specialists and tests

Interpret tests and tell patient

1 All elements completedPatient´s history and symptoms must be congruent with disease

Full range of relevant tests are performed and samples relevant collected by GP

Correct specialists identified and the correct range of tests chosen

Doctor tells the patient what is wrong and suggests a course of treatment. Patient must show they understand.

2

3

4

5