Investigations
Diagnostic services are indespensible components of a functioning health care system. They can be found in primary care clinics, larger centres, or off-site commercial sites.
bloodwork provides an accurate picture of many body functions
imaging modalities include X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and echocardiography.
are powerful, if still specialized, tests.
investigations include stains, cultures, and molecular assays.
Samples and Biopsies
When all else fails, the retrospectoscope can be a very effective modality.
Delays in Time to Diagnosis
Delays can be due to patient delay in getting things checked out. System delay is the time from first contact to time of diagnosis.
Resources and References
AFMC National Clinical Skills Initiative
http://www.rsm.ac.uk/media/pr266.php
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7223227.stm