The difference between diagnosis and prognosis is simple:

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is the identification of a disease or medical condition based on symptoms, signs, physical examination, and test results.

• It answers the question: “What condition does the patient have?”
• Example: “The diagnosis is malaria.”
• Get tested do not self medicate

Prognosis

A prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease, including chances of recovery and possible complications.

Example: “The prognosis is excellent because malaria usually responds well to treatment.”

Get tested for accurate diagnosis, do not self medicate.

Accurate diagnosis leads to better treatment and full recovery

A patient presents with fever and headache.

• Diagnosis: Malaria with Diagnosis Laboratory intervention
• Prognosis: Full recovery is expected within a few days after treatment.

Laboratory diagnosis in action

A patient is diagnosed with hypertension.

• Diagnosis: High blood pressure
• Prognosis: Good if the patient get diagnosed, take the right medication and adopts a healthy lifestyle; poor if untreated.

FOK