DDxElement

DDxElement is a MedicalIntangible (under MedicalEntity) representing one element of a differential diagnosis. Properties: diagnosis (MedicalCondition) and distinguishingSign (MedicalSignOrSymptom). Used inside MedicalCondition.differentialDiagnosis arrays.

Full example of schema.org/DDxElement json-ld markup

The markup is verified as valid with Rich Results Test from Google.

schema.org/DDxElement

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "DDxElement",
  "diagnosis": { "@type": "InfectiousDisease", "name": "Bacterial pneumonia" },
  "distinguishingSign": { "@type": "MedicalSign", "name": "Lobar consolidation on chest X-ray (vs upper-lobe cavitation in TB)" }
}
</script>

Minimal valid version

The smallest markup that still produces a valid DDxElement entity. Use it as the floor. Reach for the advanced example above when you want search engines and AI agents to understand more about your content.

schema.org/DDxElement (minimal)

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "DDxElement",
  "diagnosis": { "@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Alternative diagnosis" }
}
</script>

Google rich results this unlocks

DDxElement is a structural type. It does not produce a rich result on its own.

Its value comes from combining it with a primary type whose markup earns a rich result (Article, Product, Event, and so on). DDxElement becomes the trunk that the primary type branches off viamainEntityorbreadcrumb. Include it on every page as the backbone of your markup.

Common DDxElement mistakes

Mistakes that pass validation but silently fail to earn rich results or mislead consumers walking the graph. Avoid these and your markup will be ahead of most sites in the wild.

01
DDxElement without distinguishingSign
Wrong
```
DDxElement with only diagnosis
```
Right
```
Always include distinguishingSign — that's the clinical value
```
Differential diagnosis lists are only useful when each element explains how to tell the alternatives apart.

Schema properties in this example

DDxElement MedicalIntangible MedicalEntity diagnosis MedicalCondition InfectiousDisease distinguishingSign MedicalSignOrSymptom MedicalSign

About the example data

Pulmonary TB vs bacterial pneumonia — the differential Jane Xoo teased apart in 1945.

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