Non-invasive physical examination
Following consultation, a physical check-up, for signs of disease is conducted. Together with the medical history, the examination aids in determining the correct diagnosis.
A broad spectrum of tests involving the 4 basic criteria, listed below, are used, where necessary to ascertain specifics of diagnosis. This covers all biological systems.
- Inspection (looking)
- Auscultation (listening)
- Palpation (touching)
- Percussion (tapping)
These techniques combine both modern and traditional methods. They do not involve harm to the body, such as an x-ray or biopsy.
Physical examination is also explained in the text of ‘Clinical Examination‘, second edition by Epstein, Perkin, de Bone and Cookson




