Understanding Your Test Results
Why Reference Ranges are Limited:
* Laboratory testing methods have improved over time, but there can still be variability between labs due to equipment, reagents, and techniques.
* Most lab reports are not designed to explain results clearly for non-professionals.
Factors Affecting Accuracy:
* Foods and beverages
* Medications
* Stress
* Exercise
* Lab procedures
* Underlying medical conditions
Understanding Incorrect Results:
* False Positive: Test suggests a condition that is not present.
* False Negative: Test suggests no condition is present when it actually is.
These incorrect results are uncommon but may occur more frequently with certain tests or poor execution.
Important Information:
* Use Laboratory-Provided Ranges: Reference ranges specific to the testing laboratory should be used for evaluation.
* Seek Professional Interpretation: Consult your healthcare provider for clarifications and context regarding your test results.
* Consider Multiple Tests: False results are rare but possible, so additional tests may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.
DDxHub is a concentrator that holds a lot of disease descriptions. It relies on the System knowledgebase to diagnose a health condition.
Differential diagnosis Hub is the System distinguishing of a particular disease or health condition from others.