19.11: Diagnostics
- Page ID
- 142869
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Diagnostics is the process healthcare providers use to identify, confirm, or rule out medical conditions. For interpreters, diagnostic encounters are especially high-stakes: a single mistranslated symptom, instruction, or test preparation detail can lead to inaccurate results, delayed treatment, or patient harm.
Unlike treatment-focused encounters, diagnostic encounters often rely on a precise exchange of information before, during, and after testing, making interpreter accuracy essential.
Subjective vs. Objective Data
Healthcare providers gather two main types of information during the diagnostic process: subjective data and objective data.
Subjective Data
Subjective data is information reported by the patient. It reflects how the patient feels and what they experience.
Examples:
- “I have had diarrhea for two days.”
- “It hurts a lot.”
- “I feel tingling in my fingers.”
- “I feel short of breath when I walk.”
Key points for interpreters:
- Subjective data cannot be measured or observed directly.
- Tone, intensity, and wording matter.
- Do not “clean up” or summarize patient language.
- Preserve vagueness if the patient is vague.
📌 Interpreter note: A provider may later compare subjective reports with objective findings to assess consistency. Any alteration can affect clinical judgment.
Objective Data
Objective data is observable and measurable information obtained through examination, monitoring, or testing.
Examples:
- Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
- Laboratory values (blood glucose, cholesterol, A1C)
- Imaging results (X-ray, CT scan, MRI)
- Physical findings (rash, swelling, wound appearance)
- Provider observations (gait, speech patterns)
Objective data is often gathered through diagnostic tests, but accurate results still depend heavily on communication.