About diagnostics guidance

This guidance evaluates new, innovative diagnostic technologies.

It includes all types of measurements and tests that are used to evaluate a patient's condition.

Browse diagnostics guidance

Our diagnostics guidance helps people in the NHS make efficient, cost-effective and consistent decisions about adopting new products. It supports innovation, transformation and improves healthcare delivery.

What it covers

Diagnostic technologies may be used for various purposes. These include:

  • ruling in or out a specific disease

  • general examination looking for clues to the cause of the symptoms

  • staging, or additional testing to assess how advanced or severe the disease is

  • monitoring a patient over time to determine changes in their condition

  • screening tests to look for conditions in patients without signs or symptoms of the specific condition.

Get a technology assessed

If you manufacture a diagnostic technology, you can ask us to consider it for guidance. We look at how it compares with technologies already available and if it offers advantages over current practice.

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Types of recommendation NICE can make

Our recommendations are prepared by independent advisory committees comprised of both health professionals and people who are familiar with the issues that can affect patients and carers.

We make 4 types of recommendation which apply across all our guidance products. These allow us to produce clear, directive, actionable guidance that is easy to understand and put into practice.