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08/01/26

Diagnostic investigations: harmless tests or booby traps?

Elwyn, Glyn; Zwaan, Laura; Hairwassers, Désirée; Han, Paul K J. Diagnosis (Berl).

Collection Topics
Cognition and Decision Making Tests, Screening, and Laboratory Processes
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Summary

Diagnostic tests can create harm as well as information. This conceptual analysis examines how testing can trigger false positives, incidental findings, overdiagnosis, and patient anxiety. The authors argue that diagnostic excellence requires clinicians to consider whether a test’s expected benefits outweigh its potential harms—and, when appropriate, deliberately choose not to investigate.
Read the paper
Elwyn G, Zwaan L, Hairwassers D, Han PKJ. Diagnostic investigations: harmless tests or booby traps? Diagnosis (Berl). 2026;13(3):390-397.