Use a systematic approach to reading the results of your medical lab tests.
Medical laboratory tests are performed to analyze samples of bodily fluids or tissues to test for or monitor a disease, to monitor treatment, or to detect physiological changes that may not be accompanied by symptoms. Common samples for medical laboratory analysis are blood, urine, feces, cerebrospinal fluid and synovial fluid (found in joints). With limited medical knowledge, it can be difficult reading and interpreting your lab results. However, using a systematic method for reviewing the results can help to make the information in the lab report more understandable.
Instructions
1. Identify the different sections of your lab results report, as this will help you decipher the report. Generally, results are generated in a table format with the name of the test in one column, your result in another column and a reference range in yet another column.
2. Compare your lab results for each test to the reference range. A reference range is what is considered a normal value for the test in question.
3. Highlight all lab values that are outside of the reference range so you can focus on investigating these labs more closely. Often, lab reports will include a notation for abnormal results such as an "A" for abnormal or "H" or "L" to indicate a value that is higher or lower than the reference range.
4. Research the meaning of the abnormal lab values that were highlighted. You can find information on the Internet. You should also ask your doctor to explain the abnormal results.
Tags: reference range, your results, abnormal results, another column, values that
