Published: 3 Dec 2024

Patient Education and Interpretation of Test Results

Importance of Informed Communication
We aim to provide you with valuable information, but we recognize that we cannot substitute for direct communication with your healthcare provider.

Reference Ranges as Guidelines
Reference ranges serve as general guidelines for healthcare providers. For personalized interpretation of your test results, please consult your healthcare provider. They will consider your medical history and current symptoms to provide an accurate interpretation.

Decision Limits for Specific Tests
Certain tests have established decision limits that are more relevant than reference ranges. These limits indicate the upper or lower thresholds that suggest a disease state or treatment necessity.

Blood Glucose as an Example
For adults undergoing routine fasting blood glucose testing for type 2 diabetes detection, a level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or above on multiple occasions is indicative of diabetes. This is an example of a test with well-established decision limits.

Reference Population Selection
Reference ranges are determined by studying a specific population that matches the characteristics of the individuals the range will apply to (e.g., age, sex, race, health status).

Analysis and Range Determination
A large number of participants from the reference population are tested under controlled conditions, and their results are statistically analyzed. Reference ranges typically encompass the middle 95% of values observed.

Reference Range Sources
Labs may conduct their own studies, adopt ranges from manufacturers or other labs, or derive ranges from patient data to establish reference ranges for the tests they perform.