Published: 18 Feb 2024

Understanding Test Results

To help you interpret your test results, we provide the following information:

Reference Ranges

* Based on test results of healthy individuals.
* Healthy individuals may have results outside the reference range.
* Individuals with health issues may have results within the normal range.
* If your results fall outside the reference range or you have symptoms despite a normal result, further testing may be necessary.

Decision Limits

* For certain tests, long-term studies have established values (decision limits) that indicate the presence of a disease or the need for treatment.
* For example, a fasting glucose level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or above on multiple occasions indicates diabetes.

Interpreting Results

* Reference ranges and decision limits are only guidelines for your healthcare provider.
* Your provider will consider your medical history and current symptoms when interpreting your results.
* Our website cannot provide personalized interpretations.

Test Result Terms

* Negative or Normal: Disease or substance not detected.
* Positive or Abnormal: Disease or substance detected.
* Inconclusive or Uncertain: Insufficient information to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Additional Information

* Some tests measure organs and systems and provide results as reference ranges.
* Other tests diagnose or rule out diseases and use terms such as negative/positive or inconclusive.
* The term "normal values" may also refer to reference ranges.