Corpus: Functional diagnostics
Synonyms: Functional examination, functional test
1. Definition
The term functional diagnostics refers to diagnostic procedures across various medical fields that assess the specific performance (function) of an organ or organ system under standardized conditions.
2. Background
Medical functional diagnostics utilize clinical examinations, laboratory tests, electrophysiological assessments, and imaging techniques. These parameters can be measured both at rest and under stress. Functional diagnostic methods are applied in nearly all medical specialties.
3. Clinical functional diagnostics
- Schellong test
- Toe pointing test
- Steinmann sign
- Carotid pressure test
- 6-minute walk test
4. Instrument-based functional diagnostics by specialty
4.1. Gastroenterology
- Hydrogen breath test (with lactose, glucose, xylose, or lactulose)
- 13C-urea breath test (for detecting Helicobacter pylori)
- Esophageal manometry (for swallowing disorders)
- pH monitoring (acid measurement in the esophagus or stomach)
- 24-hour bilirubin measurement in the esophagus (to assess bile reflux)
- Impedance-pH monitoring of the esophagus
4.2. Cardiology
- Resting ECG
- Exercise ECG (ergometry)
- Long-term ECG
- 24-hour ECG
- 7-day ECG
- 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
- Tilt table test
- Echocardiography
- Stress echocardiography
4.3. Pulmonology
- Pulmonary function tests
- Spirometry ("basic lung function test")
- Body plethysmography ("comprehensive lung function test")
- Ergospirometry
- Impulse oscillometry
- Diffusing capacity of the lungs (DLCO)
- Peak flow measurement
- Pulse oximetry
- Blood gas analysis
- Helium dilution method
- Bronchial provocation test
4.4. Neurology
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Electroneurography (ENG)
4.5. Otolaryngology
- Rhinomanometry
4.6. Urology
- Uroflowmetry
Cardiology and pulmonology often integrate their functional diagnostics within a department for cardiopulmonary functional diagnostics.