What is diagnostic testing?

Diagnostic testing helps providers diagnose conditions and injuries more efficiently. It may involve viewing the structures beneath your skin or assessing the makeup of a fluid or tissue sample from your body.

When you take a diagnostic test at Spruce Health Group, the team uses the results to either confirm a diagnosis or rule out one or more possible causes. They tell you whether or not you should consider diagnostic testing after an initial evaluation of the symptoms you report. They may also recommend diagnostic testing to track the progress of your treatment.

Many diagnostic tests are noninvasive, but some are invasive or minimally invasive. The Spruce Health Group team tells you exactly what to expect before your diagnostic test and what the results might tell you.

“They offer a variety of amenities from chiropractic to pain management, diagnostic testing, nutritional testing and more. This team genuinely has your health, continued healing and wellness at the forefront.”
Debbie A. 2021

Which types of diagnostic testing do I need?

After an initial evaluation and physical exam, the team at Spruce Health Group may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

X-ray imaging

X-ray imaging uses radiation to form a still image of your bones and tissues. Your organs, bones, and tissues reflect some of the radio waves and absorb others, resulting in a black and white picture that can show injuries and areas of tissue damage.

Ultrasound imaging

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create a real-time image of the inside of a joint or another region of your body. Using ultrasound imaging, your provider can see structures like bones and soft tissue and can even track blood flow in the area.

Blood testing

A blood test can help diagnose or rule out infections and diseases that may cause pain or other symptoms.

Urine testing

Your provider at Spruce Health Group may ask that you take a urine test to diagnose nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to or worsen serious conditions.

How should I prepare for a diagnostic testing?

In most cases, noninvasive diagnostic testing doesn’t require any special preparation on your part. You can prepare for your diagnostic test by asking questions about it beforehand, so you know exactly what to anticipate when it happens.

If your specific diagnostic test requires some preparation, the team tells you what to do and when to do it. They may advise you to avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for several hours, or they may tell you to dress comfortably and avoid wearing any metal.

If you have symptoms but aren’t sure which condition or injury is causing them, call Spruce Health Group, or book an appointment online for diagnostic testing today.