Lab tests and diagnostic procedures are tests used to check if a person’s health is normal. For example, a lab can test a sample of your blood, urine or body tissue to see if something is wrong. A diagnostic test, like blood pressure testing, can show if you have low or high blood pressure.
Understanding Lab Tests & Diagnostic Procedures
- About Laboratory Tests (MedlinePlus)
- Medical Tests (MedlinePlus)
- Diagnostic Tests (MedlinePlus)
- Common Medical Tests (Merck Manual of Medical Information, 2nd Home Edition / Merck & Co.)
- Diagnostic Radiology (Radiological Society of North America)
- Lab Tests OnlineUK (The Association for Clinical Biochemistry & Laboratory Medicine)
Reference & Tools
Tutorials & Videos
- Getting a Urine Test (Nemours Foundation) (Interactive Audio)
- Getting a Blood Test (Nemours Foundation)
- Getting a Breathing Test (Spirometry) (Nemours Foundation)
- Getting a CT Scan (Nemours Foundation)
- Getting an EKG (Nemours Foundation)
- Getting an IV (Nemours Foundation)
- Getting an MRI (Nemours Foundation)
- Getting a Strep Test (Nemours Foundation)
- Getting an Upper GI (Nemours Foundation)
- Getting an X-Ray (Nemours Foundation)
Resources selected by Elizabeth Moreton, Health Sciences Library, UNC-Chapel Hill,
Last reviewed January 23, 2024