Diagnostic workup
A diagnostic workup refers to the collection of all possibly relevant information to help in the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment of many conditions.[1] Different factors will be added to the collection in the workup and will usually include the medical history, blood test results, and a physical examination. The medical histories of close relatives may also be called for. Dental records may be added.
Different medical conditions will often have their own diagnostic criteria that need to be taken into account and these will sometimes be specific to the suspected condition. Signs and symptoms will be evaluated as will known risk factors. Laboratory tests may establish whether one or more organs are affected which would tell if the disorder was systemic or not, as used for systemic lupus erythematosus. Fever seen in neonates will call for an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, as in suspected sepsis cases.
Different samples called for may include those of urine and bile. X-rays and other imagings may also be warranted.