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The Indispensable Guide to Quickly Learn and Interpret Laboratory Results

Kelly Blair

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Published in LAB VALUES INTERPRETATION: The Indispensable Guide To Quickly Learn And Interpret The Laboratory Results Find And Understand Everything That Impacts A Diagnosis Of Disease

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Laboratory results can be a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing health conditions. But if you're not familiar with the results, they can be confusing and overwhelming. This guide will help you quickly learn and interpret the most common laboratory results so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

What is a laboratory test?

A laboratory test is a procedure that is performed on a sample of your body tissue or fluid (such as blood, urine, or saliva) to measure the levels of certain substances in your body. These substances can include hormones, electrolytes, enzymes, and other chemicals. Laboratory tests can be used to:

LAB VALUES INTERPRETATION: The Indispensable Guide to Quickly Learn and Interpret The Laboratory Results.Find and Understand Everything That Impacts a Diagnosis of Disease.

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Diagnose diseases and conditions
Monitor the progression of diseases and conditions
Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment
Screen for diseases and conditions

How to interpret laboratory results

The first step to interpreting laboratory results is to understand the reference range. The reference range is the range of values that are considered normal for a particular test. It is important to note that the reference range can vary depending on the laboratory that performed the test, so it is important to consult the laboratory's specific reference range when interpreting your results.

Once you have identified the reference range, you can compare your results to the range to see if they are within normal limits. If your results are outside of the reference range, it does not necessarily mean that you have a health condition. However, it does indicate that further investigation is necessary.

In addition to the reference range, there are a number of other factors that you should consider when interpreting laboratory results, including:

Your age and sex
Your medical history
Your current symptoms
The results of other laboratory tests

Common laboratory tests

There are a wide variety of laboratory tests available, but some of the most common tests include:

Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. It can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including anemia, infection, and leukemia.
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): A CMP measures the levels of various chemicals in your blood, including glucose, electrolytes, liver enzymes, and kidney function tests. It can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease.
Urinalysis: A urinalysis measures the physical and chemical properties of your urine. It can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.
Thyroid function tests: Thyroid function tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. They can be used to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Lipid profile: A lipid profile measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It can be used to assess your risk of heart disease.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Your laboratory results are outside of the reference range
You have any new or worsening symptoms
You are concerned about your laboratory results

Your doctor can help you interpret your laboratory results and determine if you need any further testing or treatment.

Laboratory results can be a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing health conditions. By understanding the reference range and other factors that can affect your results, you can make informed decisions about your health. If you have any questions or concerns about your laboratory results, be sure to talk to your doctor.

LAB VALUES INTERPRETATION: The Indispensable Guide to Quickly Learn and Interpret The Laboratory Results.Find and Understand Everything That Impacts a Diagnosis of Disease.

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