Published: 7 Apr 2024

Reference Ranges

Reference ranges establish what is considered normal based on results from a large pool of healthy individuals. However, it is important to note that:

* Healthy individuals may occasionally have results outside the reference range.
* Individuals with health issues may sometimes have results within the reference range.

Reference ranges are typically expressed as numerical intervals, such as "normal: 77-99mg/dL."

Interpreting Lab Results

* Results outside the reference range or with symptoms despite normal results: Further testing may be necessary.
* Negative or normal: Indicates the absence of the tested disease or substance.
* Positive or abnormal: Indicates the presence of the tested disease or substance.
* Inconclusive or uncertain: Insufficient information to make a definitive diagnosis or rule out a disease.

Types of Tests

* Tests that evaluate organ function or bodily systems commonly use reference ranges.
* Tests that diagnose or rule out diseases typically use terms like "positive/negative" or "normal/abnormal."

Blood Tests

When blood is drawn, it is processed and analyzed for various biomarkers, which provide valuable information about the patient's health. Blood tests can:

* Assess management of diabetes and high cholesterol.
* Screen for heart disease, cancer, and other conditions.
* Identify the cause of health problems.
* Provide early warning of potential health issues.

The results of blood tests are used by healthcare providers to:

* Make diagnoses
* Prescribe treatments
* Prepare reports for review