I Cannot Interpret Lab Results from Uploaded Files
I am not able to accept, view, or interpret PDF or JPEG files of laboratory results. I can only process and respond to text-based questions that you type directly into our conversation.
Why This Limitation Exists
Technical Constraints
- I do not have the capability to receive, open, or analyze image files or PDF documents 1
- My functionality is restricted to text-based input and output only
Privacy and Security Considerations
- Laboratory data contains highly sensitive protected health information (ePHI) that requires stringent security measures 2
- Uploading lab results through unverified channels poses significant privacy risks, as patient-level data can potentially be re-identified even after anonymization attempts 3, 4, 5
- Healthcare data transmission should occur through HIPAA-compliant systems with appropriate encryption and access controls 2
Data Integrity Issues
- Image files (JPEG) and certain PDF formats can result in "lossy compression" that may alter or degrade the original data 1
- Proper interpretation requires machine-readable formats with verified data integrity, not image captures 1
What You Can Do Instead
For Clinical Interpretation
- Type specific lab values directly into our conversation along with the reference ranges provided by your laboratory 6
- Include relevant clinical context such as symptoms, medications, and timing of collection 6
- Note that laboratory reference ranges vary between institutions, so always use your lab's specific ranges 6