What do my lab results indicate?

From the Guidelines

I strongly advise against self-interpreting your lab results without consulting a healthcare professional, as this can lead to misinterpretation and unnecessary worry or missed important health information. Lab results require professional medical interpretation as they contain specific measurements of various health markers, such as blood counts, cholesterol levels, kidney or liver function tests, hormone levels, or many other health indicators. The meaning of these results depends on which tests were performed, your normal baseline values, and your overall health context 1.

To understand what your lab results indicate, please consult with your healthcare provider who ordered the tests. They have the medical training to explain the significance of your specific results, how they relate to your health concerns, and what actions, if any, you should take based on these findings. According to recent guidelines, laboratory tests should include a CBC count with differential leukocyte count and platelet count; measurement of serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen; and measurement of electrolytes, hepatic transaminase enzymes, and total bilirubin 1.

Some key points to consider when evaluating lab results include:

• The need for professional interpretation to avoid misinterpretation and ensure appropriate actions are taken based on the results
• The importance of considering the patient's overall presentation and health context when interpreting lab results 1
• The potential for false-positive results and the need for repeat testing or use of different testing methods in some cases 1
• The role of imaging tests in identifying underlying etiology and guiding management based on lab results, particularly for abnormal liver function tests 1

It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure accurate interpretation and appropriate management of lab results, as they can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on the individual's specific health needs and circumstances.

From the Research

Lab Results Indication

To evaluate your lab results, it's essential to consider the context and the specific tests that were conducted. The provided studies offer insights into laboratory testing, result notification, and the importance of laboratory reports in patient care.

• Lab results can indicate various health issues, and their interpretation requires careful consideration of the patient's medical history, symptoms, and other factors 2.
• The frequency and characteristics of problems in laboratory testing in primary care physicians' offices can impact health care, with problems involving test ordering and specimen handling being the most common 2.
• Laboratory reports can provide in-depth information, explanation, and clarification of results, which can be beneficial for patient care 3.
• Patients and physicians prefer different methods for notification of normal and abnormal laboratory test results, with direct phone contact by the physician being the preferred method for notification of abnormal results 4.

Laboratory Testing and Result Notification

Laboratory testing is a crucial aspect of healthcare, and the notification of results is essential for patient care. The studies suggest that:

• Clinically apparent problems with laboratory testing in primary care were found at a rate of 1.1 problems per 1000 patient visits, with 27% of the reported problems having an impact on patient care 2.
• The most promising solution to inappropriate utilization of laboratory services is a greater reliance on clinical laboratory consultants 5.
• Patients and physicians have different preferences for laboratory test results notification, with patients preferring direct phone contact by the physician for abnormal results and physicians preferring the US mail for normal results 4.

Importance of Laboratory Reports

Laboratory reports can provide valuable information for patient care, and their importance should not be underestimated. The studies highlight that:

• Laboratory reports can offer in-depth information, explanation, and clarification of results, which can be beneficial for patient care 3.
• Most doctors agree that investigation results would be better if laboratory reports accompanied them, and over 90% of doctors have knowledge of the difference between laboratory results and reports 3.
• Laboratory investigations would offer doctors more information, which translates to enhanced patient care if investigation results are mandatorily accompanied by a laboratory report 3.