Current Access and Limitations of Online Lab Results

While most individuals can now conveniently access their lab test results online, many of these reports lack clear explanations that make it difficult for non-healthcare professionals to understand their significance.

Understanding Test Results

This article aims to clarify:

* Why Reference Ranges Are Often Missing: Over the years, lab testing accuracy has improved significantly, but variations between labs persist due to differences in equipment, reagents, and techniques. Use the range provided by the lab that performed your test to determine if your results fall within "normal limits."
* Beyond Reference Ranges: The full impact of a test result (whether it indicates illness, health, or elevated risk) can only be understood when considered in combination with other information your healthcare provider has gathered, including your physical exam, medical history, current health concerns, medications, and non-laboratory tests.

Reference Ranges

Reference ranges represent a set of values that define the upper and lower limits of a lab test based on a group of healthy individuals. These intervals are known as "normal ranges" or "limits."

While "reference interval" is commonly used by healthcare professionals, "reference range" is also widely recognized and is used throughout this article.

Reference ranges provide benchmarks against which your healthcare provider compares your test results to assess your health status. The values within these ranges may vary based on factors such as age, gender, specimen type, and situational conditions (e.g., fasting or exercise).