Reading lab results: what to ask the clinician
A results sheet does not explain itself
A value outside the reference range is not automatically disease, and a value inside the range is not automatically finished business.
A reference range is not the border between sick and well
Lab results need to be read with symptoms, history, and trend over time. A slightly high value this year may only need watching, or it may need a next step — a clinician decides.
Three questions worth asking
How does this compare with last time? Is there anything to do in the next three months? And what should change in food, sleep, or movement before the next test?
Tests are useful when someone explains them. Comparing them to the internet often raises worry more than understanding.
Dr. Quang Le