About Test

 

Laboratory tests check a sample of your blood, urine, or body tissues. A technician or your doctor analyzes the test samples to see if your results fall within the normal range. The tests use a range because what is normal differs from person to person. Many factors affect test results. These include

  • Your sex and age
  • What you eat and drink
  • Medicines you take
  • How well you followed pre-test instructions

The normal values listed in LAB report or Test charts called a reference range are just a guide. These ranges slightly different from lab to lab and your lab may have a different range for what's normal.

To interpret test results use the reference range in the laboratory report.

These results may or may not suggest a health problem, many diseases and medical problems can't be diagnosed with blood tests alone. However, blood tests can help you and your doctor learn more about your health. Blood tests also can help find potential problems early, when treatments or lifestyle changes may work best.

Your doctor may also compare your results to results from previous tests. Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. They also help doctors diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments and monitor disease