title: Perspectives on test diets.
abstract: Evidence in the medical literature substantiating the effect of test diets on the outcome of specific diagnostic tests is scanty and, in some cases, controversial. It has been clearly demonstrated that some test diets definitely affect the outcomes of some diagnostic tests. Therefore, these diets should be effectively and consistently used. Medical professionals should be familiar with specific test diets. There should be systematic management regarding the content of instructions to the patient, who gives the instructions, and how follow-up is made on compliance with the test diet. Clinical dietitians should be versatile regarding all test diets that may influence diagnostic test outcome. All test diets in dietary manuals for which there is no medical basis for effectiveness should be eliminated.
mesh_terms: D003933:Diagnosis; D004032:Diet; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000592:standards; D005521:Food Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D013781:Texas; D014481:United States