diagnostic indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

"diagnostic indicator" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that measures the effectiveness or accuracy of something else. For example: "The rate of correctly answered questions was used as a diagnostic indicator of the group's understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Enlarged calves are a leading diagnostic indicator of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rapid, fatal muscle-wasting disease that affects males almost exclusively.

The New Yorker

Alkaline phosphatase is also present in the blood and is an important clinical diagnostic indicator for several illnesses, including chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Forms such as those listed above, including personal pronouns, some body parts, and natural phenomena, are known to be particularly resistant to borrowing, so parallels in these areas offer a strong diagnostic indicator of genetic relatedness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Blood lactate is a clinically valuable diagnostic indicator.

Analytical Biochemistry

Thus, free FA levels are a diagnostic indicator for a variety of disorders.

Analytical Biochemistry

Rather than a target for intervention, certain miRNA species may serve as a diagnostic or as a companion diagnostic indicator.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Demlie et al. (2007) illustrated that a positive correlation of NO3− and Cl− was a diagnostic indicator of anthropogenic activity.

Applied Water Science

The very strong correlation between chloride and nitrate in the Banana Plain is a diagnostic indicator of anthropogenic activity on groundwater quality.

Applied Water Science

The aMh is a condition with a high prevalence in the general population and also an established diagnostic indicator of bladder cancer.

Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations

Published reports suggest that the CRP is a more sensitive diagnostic indicator of GCA and can be elevated when the ESR is normal.

Ophthalmology

LAM is secreted in urine and serum from infected patients and is being studied as a potential diagnostic indicator for the disease.

Tuberculosis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about medical or scientific topics, ensure the "diagnostic indicator" you are referencing is clearly defined and its reliability is supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid implying that a single "diagnostic indicator" is definitive; most diagnoses rely on a combination of factors and indicators.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diagnostic indicator" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific factor, sign, or measurement that helps in diagnosing a condition or disease. Ludwig examples show its use across varied contexts. For instance: "Enlarged calves are a leading diagnostic indicator of Duchenne muscular dystrophy" or "Blood lactate is a clinically valuable diagnostic indicator."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "diagnostic indicator" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly in scientific and medical fields, as supported by Ludwig's analysis. It functions as a noun phrase to denote a specific sign or measurement aiding in diagnosis. While commonly employed, it's important to avoid overstating the significance of any single indicator. Alternatives such as "diagnostic marker" or "diagnostic signal" can provide nuanced expression. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its varied applications and confirms its acceptability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diagnostic marker

Replaces 'indicator' with 'marker', emphasizing the sign's role in identifying a condition.

diagnostic signal

Substitutes 'indicator' with 'signal', highlighting the communicative aspect of the sign.

diagnostic indication

Slightly more formal; 'indication' suggests something that points to a conclusion.

diagnostic readout

Emphasizes the informational output provided by the diagnostic measure.

diagnostic evidence

Focuses on the role of the indicator as proof or support for a diagnosis.

diagnostic gauge

Replaces 'indicator' with 'gauge', referring to a tool for measurement or assessment.

diagnostic predictor

Shifts the focus to the ability to forecast a condition.

diagnostic measurement

Highlights the quantitative aspect of the diagnostic process.

tests indicator

General term for identifying elements used in testing.

screening indicator

A broad term to point aspects to consider during screening.

FAQs

How is "diagnostic indicator" used in a sentence?

A "diagnostic indicator" is used to identify a condition or disease. For example: "Enlarged calves are a key "diagnostic indicator" of Duchenne muscular dystrophy".

What are some alternatives to "diagnostic indicator"?

You can use alternatives like "diagnostic marker", "diagnostic signal", or "diagnostic evidence" depending on the specific context.

What makes a good "diagnostic indicator"?

A good "diagnostic indicator" should be reliable, sensitive (able to detect the condition when it's present), and specific (not falsely indicating the condition when it's absent).

In medical contexts, is relying on a single "diagnostic indicator" sufficient for a diagnosis?

Generally, no. A single "diagnostic indicator" is rarely sufficient. Medical diagnoses typically require considering multiple factors, including patient history, physical examination, and results from various tests.