The use of the word DIAGNOSTIC in Clinical, Physical and Chemical setting

The word diagnostic according to Cambridge dictionary defines it clinically as methods or systems for discovering the cause of a problem, illness,  diseases etc.

It went further to say

identifying a particular illness using a combination of signs and symptoms:

This is to say the definition of diagnostics in medical or clinical in simple term is the process of identifying or discovering the cause or origin of a sickness,  disease,  illness or a problem.

In computer world the word diagnostic is the art or science or routine for testing a piece of hardware or for locating an error in a program

According to Wikipedia,  diagnosis is the identification of the nature and cause of a certain phenomenon.

Diagnosis is used in many different disciplines with variations in the use of logic, analytics, and experience to determine "cause and effect".

In systems engineering and computer science, it is typically used to determine the causes of symptoms, mitigations, and solutions.

In simplicity,  the word DIAGNOSTICS is used in the medical world,  engineering world,  computer world,  geology areas,  technology field etc.

This is to say that the word "diagnosis/ diagnostic" is not restricted or synonymous alone with medicine or MLS (as they claim).  It shows that even we SLT can use it in our own way even in our laboratory as *Noble Diagnostic center* (NISLT approved) since what we do as researchers (like MLS say we are)  is find (diagnostic) solutions and causes of diseases,Illnesses, epidemic outbreak etc.
We also in different various field such as geology,  biomedical (engineering area),  physic a and electronics,  etc carry out diagnostic in our daily research work and activities by troubleshooting also called analysis of equipment used in our areas of specialization.

My fellow professionals and leaders,  ASLTON, NISLT,  COUNCIL and all concerned,  please if we are to fight this fight holistically,  then it is time we tell ourselves the truth and stand by it.

Our laboratories,  be it clinical (biological),  physical and chemical cancarry the word diagnostic as against the purported views and notions against us.

We are chartered scientist and deserves the rightful place in society.


Once more I say let's preach the gospel and prove it to the nation that we do well in diagnostic and can function effectively in all areas of laboratory practices in this country.


Article written and prepared by

Akpede Akpevwe AISLT
Biomedical Technologist
Delta state.