Medicine today

Diagnosis

The doctor gathers the medical history and clinical examination, then chooses the tests and imaging that answer a specific question, not every possible investigation.

Laboratories

Blood, urine and tissue tests measure what cannot be seen. Each result is read against the reference range of the same laboratory, and a single result is rarely enough for a diagnosis.¹

Medical imaging

X-rays, CT, MRI and ultrasound reveal the structure of organs; each has advantages and limits, and some use ionising radiation while others do not.²³⁴

• CT scan (computed tomography)Procedure
• MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)Procedure
• Ultrasound (sonography)Procedure

Surgery

From open surgery to keyhole surgery and surgery assisted by robotic systems that the surgeon controls.⁵

Medicines

Medicines go through clinical-trial phases before approval, and their safety continues to be monitored after they reach the market.⁶

Prevention

Vaccines, early detection and modifying risk factors often prevent more than medicine can treat later.⁷⁸

Critical care

Continuous monitoring and temporary support of vital organ functions, such as breathing and circulation, while critical conditions are treated.

Health monitoring

Tracking indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar and kidney function at intervals detects complications early.⁹

• Type 2 diabetesCondition

Personalised medicine

Designing prevention and treatment according to an individual's genes, environment and lifestyle instead of treating everyone the same way.¹⁰

Evidence-based medicine

Medical decisions combine the best research evidence with the doctor's expertise and the patient's values.¹¹

Digital health

Electronic records, remote consultations and wearable devices, and the questions they raise about privacy and fairness.¹²