Published: 28 Jan 2024

Understanding Test Results:

Despite the significance of test results, their true interpretation requires a comprehensive assessment of your overall health. This includes a physical exam, medical history, current symptoms, medications, and other non-laboratory tests.

Reference Ranges and Intervals:

Reference ranges represent a set of upper and lower limits for a laboratory test based on data from healthy individuals. These intervals are known as "normal ranges" or "limits."

Terminology:

The term "reference interval" is commonly used by laboratories and healthcare professionals, while "reference range" is also widely recognized. This article uses both terms interchangeably.

Interpretation:

Healthcare providers compare your test results to reference ranges to assess your health status. Values within these ranges are generally considered normal. However, factors such as age, gender, and sample type can influence reference intervals. Certain circumstances, such as fasting or medication use, can also affect results.

Decision Limits:

Some tests may not have defined ranges but instead have specific limits at which decisions are made regarding your health or treatment. These limits are typically established through population-based studies.

Individualization:

Reference ranges provide a starting point for interpreting results. However, your healthcare provider will also consider your individual circumstances and history when assessing your results. An example of this is glucose testing for diabetes.

Laboratory Variations:

Each laboratory has its own established reference ranges, which can vary slightly. The specific ranges provided on your laboratory report are specific to the laboratory where your test was performed.

Interpretation Tool:

Reference ranges serve as a tool for understanding what is considered normal for specific population groups based on age, sex, and other characteristics.