Reference Ranges vs. Normal Ranges
The term "normal range" has been largely replaced due to its potential to mislead. Interpretation of medical observations, such as heart rate, requires context. For instance, a heart rate of 120 beats per minute may be "normal" during exertion but high for a resting state.
To determine what is normal for an individual, doctors consider age, activity level, and other relevant factors. The term "reference range" has gained prominence and is often interchangeable with "reference values." Laboratory test results are compared to these reference ranges to identify potential abnormalities.
Blood Testing and Health Monitoring
Blood tests involve taking blood samples to analyze various aspects of an individual's health. This allows doctors to:
* Diagnose blood-related and non-blood-related conditions
* Monitor disease progression
* Evaluate treatment effectiveness
Laboratory analysis measures various blood properties, such as:
* Complete blood count
* Hormone and electrolyte levels
* Leukocyte types
* Blood plasma protein levels
By comparing a patient's blood properties to established reference ranges, doctors can determine the presence or absence of medical conditions. Reference ranges provide a standard against which to assess individual test results.
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.