Medical diagnostics is concerned with procedures and tests to confirm or interpret a medical diagnosis, i.e. to diagnose or to find out the cause of an illness, not to treat the condition.

A key element of disease diagnosis is based on Pathology Laboratory Diagnostics, which are based on analysis of blood, urine, faeces and cell & tissue samples from the patient. These tests can range from the identification of infections, such as meningitis and pneumonia, to testing for anaemia, diabetes, leukaemia and cancer.

Radiographraphers use X-rays, imaging and ultrasound, to enable a diagnosis and assessment of a patient that would otherwise be impossible. Clinical Measurement Physiologists measure and image the physiological activity of the human body and provide diagnostic information to medical staff.

Careers in the areas of medical diagnostics also include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, nutrition and dietetics, optometry and podiatry. All roles in these areas will require significant study, but come with excellent employment prospects.