Clinical Decision Support System

Laboratory Tests in Healthcare

Purpose of Laboratory Tests:

Your healthcare provider may order laboratory tests to:

* Diagnose or exclude specific conditions or diseases (e.g., Pap test for cervical cancer)
* Screen for diseases (e.g., blood glucose test for diabetes)
* Monitor and manage ongoing conditions (e.g., complete blood count for overall health assessment)

Types of Laboratory Tests:

* Diagnostic tests: Confirm or rule out a specific condition.
* Screening tests: Detect diseases before symptoms appear.
* Monitoring tests: Track the status of an existing condition or treatment.

Interpretation of Results:

* Negative or normal: The substance or disease was not detected.
* Positive or abnormal: The substance or disease was present.
* Inconclusive or equivocal: Insufficient results to make a diagnosis or rule out a condition.

Reference Ranges:

Many laboratory tests provide results as reference ranges. These ranges represent the normal results for a large group of healthy individuals.

Importance of Laboratory Tests:

* Assist in diagnosing and managing medical conditions.
* Identify diseases that may be asymptomatic.
* Monitor treatment progress and overall health.
* Provide peace of mind and reassurance when results are normal.

Note:

* Some individuals may have results that fall outside of reference ranges, even if they are healthy.
* Normal results do not always indicate the absence of disease, especially if symptoms are present.
* Consult with your healthcare provider to fully understand your laboratory results and their implications for your health.