The law of investigative parsimony.

ABSTRACT

The Law of Investigative Parsimony, states Minimal investigations should be employed for screening, diagnosis, monitoring and follow up of disease, provided this does not adversely affect patient well-being. This is based on the word 'parsimony', which means "the quality of being careful with money or resources", or "economy in the use of means to an end". The law of investigative parsimony is an extension of the laws of diagnostic and therapeutic parsimony, and is reflected in modern guidelines as well as clinical practice.