How to interpret and understand your blood test results

Laboratory tests are tools helpful in evaluating the health status of an individual. It is important to realize that laboratory results may be outside of the so-called "normal range" for many reasons. These variations may be due to such things as race, dietetic preference, age, sex, menstrual cycle, physical activity, problems with collection and/or handling of the specimen, non-prescription drugs (aspirin, cold medications, vitamins, etc.), prescription drugs, alcohol intake and a number of non-illness-related factors.  For this reason we generally use the term “reference range” rather that “normal range” when describing where values most commonly fall in the population as a whole.

It is often not possible to diagnose diseases or problems with laboratory tests alone.  Your provider will use your lab test results along with other valuable information gleaned from your visit to make the best decisions for your care and will advise you of such.  We try to provide you with you laboratory results to help you be the most informed health care consumer that you can be.

After reviewing your lab results you may have further questions.  Most of these questions can be answered by reviewing the information below.  Once you have reviewed this information if you still have questions we encourage you to call, email or make an appointment to come in to discuss your results with your provider.