Determining Reference Ranges
* Define the population the reference range will apply to.
* Test a large sample of individuals considered "normal" for that population.
* Calculate the reference range by averaging the values and accounting for natural variations (within 2 standard deviations).
* This range represents the values found in 95% of the selected group, hence the preference for "reference range" over "normal range."
Population Differences
* "Normal" values can vary between different populations.
* For example, cholesterol levels have shifted from a concept of a "normal range" to target values determined by lifestyle and medical interventions.
Interpreting Test Results
* Test results should be interpreted in the context of:
* Your personal circumstances
* Medical history
* Current medications
* Other investigation results
Blood Sample Analysis
* Blood samples are used to analyze:
* Complete blood count
* Hormone and electrolyte levels
* Leukocyte types
* Blood plasma protein levels
Establishing Medical Conditions
* By comparing blood properties to reference ranges, doctors can determine:
* Presence or absence of medical conditions
* Monitor conditions
* Evaluate treatment effectiveness
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.