Main Medical Diagnostic Tests in Spanish

When discussing health in Spanish, knowing the names of common medical diagnostic tests can be incredibly helpful, especially for healthcare professionals or patients navigating medical appointments. Below, we cover essential diagnostic tests, their Spanish translations, and explanations of how they’re used.

1. La Tomografía (TAC)

The Spanish term for a CT or CAT scan is tomografía axial computarizada (TAC). It’s a medical imaging technique that provides detailed pictures of internal organs, bones, and tissues.

Examples:

• El médico ordenó una tomografía para evaluar los pulmones.
  (The doctor ordered a CT scan to evaluate the lungs.)
• La TAC ayuda a detectar lesiones internas después de un accidente.
  (The CT scan helps detect internal injuries after an accident.)

2. La Resonancia Magnética

This test, known as resonancia magnética in Spanish, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s organs and tissues.

Examples:

• La resonancia magnética se usa para diagnosticar problemas en el cerebro o la médula espinal.
  (MRI is used to diagnose problems in the brain or spinal cord.)
• ¿Cuánto tiempo dura la resonancia magnética?
  (How long does the MRI take?)

3. La Ecografía / el Ultrasonido

An ultrasound, or ecografía (sometimes referred to as ultrasonido), uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. It’s often used during pregnancy or to examine organs like the liver or kidneys.

Examples:

• La ecografía confirmó el desarrollo saludable del bebé.
  (The ultrasound confirmed the baby’s healthy development.)
• El ultrasonido abdominal detectó piedras en la vesícula.
  (The abdominal ultrasound detected gallstones.)

4. La Radiografía / los Rayos X

In Spanish, an X-ray is called radiografía or rayos X. It’s a quick, painless test used to see the structure of bones and certain tissues.

Examples:

• Necesitamos una radiografía para verificar si hay fractura.
  (We need an X-ray to check for a fracture.)
• Los rayos X del tórax son comunes para diagnosticar neumonía.
  (Chest X-rays are common for diagnosing pneumonia.)

5. El Electrocardiograma (ECG/EKG)

Known as electrocardiograma in Spanish, this test records the electrical activity of the heart and is crucial for diagnosing heart conditions.

Examples:

• El electrocardiograma mostró un ritmo cardíaco irregular.
  (The ECG showed an irregular heartbeat.)
• ¿Es necesario estar en ayunas para un electrocardiograma?
  (Is fasting necessary for an ECG?)

6. La Mamografía

The term mamografía refers to a mammogram, an X-ray of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast cancer.

Examples:

• La mamografía anual es recomendada para mujeres mayores de 40 años.
  (An annual mammogram is recommended for women over 40.)
• La mamografía detectó una anomalía en el tejido mamario.
  (The mammogram detected an abnormality in the breast tissue.)

Summary Table of Diagnostic Tests

Understanding medical terminology in Spanish helps improve communication between healthcare providers and patients. Whether you’re a Spanish learner or a professional, these terms and examples can be vital in healthcare settings.

Do you know any other diagnostic test terms in Spanish? Share them below or practice using these in sentences!