What is the term for identifying a biological agent based on its effects on the host?

The term for identifying a biological agent based on its effects on the host is clinical diagnosis. This process involves observing and interpreting the signs and symptoms presented by the patient, which can provide crucial information about the underlying biological agent causing the illness. Clinical diagnosis leverages the clinical features and patient history to narrow down potential biological threats.

This method is particularly vital in situations where immediate laboratory testing may not be feasible, allowing healthcare providers to make preliminary assessments and decisions based on the visible impact of the biological agent on the host. The outcome can guide treatment and further investigation.

Environmental analysis deals more with assessing the external factors and surroundings for potential exposure, while laboratory testing focuses on the technical procedures used to identify pathogens at a molecular level. Field assessment typically involves initial evaluations conducted in a non-clinical setting and integrates both environmental and clinical perspectives but does not solely rely on the host's physiological responses.