Find medical and health information from reputable web resources, and from books and journal databases at the State Library of Victoria.
There are a number of tools available on reputable websites which may be informative about symptoms.
These tools cannot be used as a means of diagnosis, rather as a starting point; any concerns should be taken to the relevant health professional.
Medlineplus - symptoms
A US based government health site (from the National Institute of Health/National Library of Medicine) with a variety of resources.
Symptom checker - healthdirect Australia
Produced by the Australian government. The healthdirect Symptom Checker is an online tool which allows people to check their symptoms using a simple self-guided triage process to get advice on what they should do next.
There are a multitude of medical tests available for which you may be referred. The following websites will provide descriptions and explanations of many medical tests, using trusted sources.
Lab Tests Online
Comprehensive, peer reviewed and noncommercial site. Patient oriented description of tests, procedures, explanation of results, and brief information on conditions being tested for.
Medlineplus - diagnostic tests
MedlinePlus is the (US) National Institutes of Health's website for patients and their families and friends.This listing of diagnostic tests is just one of many good quality resources.
Medlineplus - interactive tutorials - tests and diagnostics procedures
Medlineplus also provides a number of animated interactive tutorials for a selection of tests. Look under the column heading: Tests and diagnostic procedures.
Understanding medical tests
A quick patients' guide to questions to ask your doctor when undertaking medical tests. Links to sources of information on the actual tests.
The Gale encyclopedia of surgery and medical tests by 
Medical Tests Sourcebook by 
Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference by Tools to help you assess the quality of health stories in the media:
Health News Review
A US based site which evaluates the quality of health news stories. Not-for-profit site, and no advertising.
NHS Choices: behind the headlines
Aims to provide an unbiased and evidence-based analysis of health stories that make the news
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