Diagnostic Testing

Von Kimberly Posey, AGPCNP-BC, DNP, PhD, GS-C

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Diagnostic testing in geriatric medicine requires specialized knowledge of how aging affects test results, interpretation, and clinical application. The aging process introduces physiological changes that can significantly alter laboratory values, imaging findings, and other diagnostic parameters, creating a unique framework for clinical assessment in older adults. Understanding these age-related variations is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, as misinterpretation of diagnostic tests can lead to inappropriate interventions, missed diagnoses, or unnecessary workups in elderly patients. This specialized knowledge bridges fundamental laboratory science with practical clinical geriatrics, providing the foundation for evidence-based diagnostic decision-making in an aging population.

This course builds upon basic knowledge of laboratory medicine and diagnostic imaging, requiring familiarity with normal test parameters before exploring their age-specific modifications. Students will learn how to properly interpret complete blood counts and basic metabolic panels in the context of age-related changes, evaluate imaging studies with consideration for normal aging findings, and recognize how physiological aging affects various diagnostic modalities. The clinical relevance extends across all medical specialties that serve older adults, from primary care to emergency medicine, as proper test interpretation is crucial for differentiating disease from normal aging, managing multiple comorbidities, and designing treatment plans that respect the unique physiological status of geriatric patients. Mastering these concepts enables clinicians to practice more precise, patient-centered medicine that avoids both under-diagnosis and over-treatment in vulnerable elderly populations.