Normal Ranges

• Keep in mind that a normal range is just that--a range. A variation does not mean you have a disease. The best way to judge results is to see if they have changed over a period of time. What is normal for some people is actually abnormal for others. Sometimes there are simple reasons for test results being abnormal. For instance, if you had eaten before a blood test when you should have fasted, your glucose and cholesterol levels could be high. However, that same result, when the food is taken into consideration, is actually normal.
  
  

Questions to Ask

• You should always be prepared to go over your blood test results with your physician. Bring a list of questions with you so you hit on all your key concerns. If a result is abnormal, be sure to ask if you have ever had that test done before and if so, what was the result then. Be sure that you understand exactly what each test is checking and exactly what the abnormal results mean. Also ask if anything might have caused the result to be abnormal, such as eating prior to the test or exercising right before the blood was drawn. Find out exactly what the doctor suggests you do about the abnormal result.
  
  

Common Items

• There are certain items that should be on every lab report and some standard abbreviations used in most laboratories. Each report should show the patient's name, the physician who ordered the test, the date of the test, the date of the result and the results of the ordered tests. An H usually means the result is high, an L, low and WNL means within normal limits. Certain tests will have text written next to the result, describing what that result may mean. Again, it is important to speak to your physician about your results since it is not always as straightforward as what is written.
  
  

Types of Tests

• There are many different types of blood tests, and it is impossible for one person to know everything about all tests. Even physicians sometimes need to research what the results mean. There are basic screening tests for things such as cholesterol and glucose, and there are also more specialized tests for things such as toxicology. It is important to find out what the test you had was looking for before trying to understand the results.
  
  

Misconceptions

• There are several common misconceptions about blood test results. One is that any abnormality is a serious concern. Sometimes abnormal results are actually normal for a particular person. Another misconception is that one abnormal result is a definitive one. Tests can have abnormal results once for a variety of reasons. If the specimen has a tiny clot in it, the test results can be skewed. Before being treated for any conditions, it is always prudent to repeat the abnormal test. And remember that your physical symptoms should agree with your test results.