Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Subclinical disease
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Subclinical disease: An illness that is staying below the surface of clinical detection. A subclinical disease has no recognizable clinical findings. It is distinct from a clinical disease, which has signs and symptoms that can be recognized. Many diseases, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis, are frequently subclinical before they surface as clinical diseases.