What differentiates a diagnostic device from a therapeutic device?

The distinction between diagnostic and therapeutic devices is fundamentally based on their primary functions. Therapeutic devices are specifically designed to treat or manage a medical condition, such as administering medication or delivering physical therapy. In contrast, diagnostic devices are intended for identifying, monitoring, or diagnosing health conditions. For instance, imaging machines like X-rays and MRIs fall under the diagnostic category, as they help detect underlying issues without directly treating them.

This classification as defined establishes the primary role each type of device plays in patient care. While other options may relate to various factors such as cost, invasiveness, or prescription requirements, they do not accurately define the core difference in purpose between diagnostic and therapeutic devices. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential functional distinction between these two categories of medical devices.