LAB INVESTIGATION

Laboratory tests check a sample of your blood, urine, or body tissues. A technician or your doctor analyzes the test samples to see if your results fall within the normal range. The tests use a range because what is normal differs from person to person. Many factors affect test results. These include:

Your doctor may also compare your results to results from previous tests. Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. They also help doctors diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.

Today, laboratory testing is performed in many different settings, from the large reference lab that performs many complex tests to your own home, where you might take a pregnancy test or monitor your blood glucose levels.

Many of us, however, may wonder where our tests actually are performed. As we learn to take a more active role in our medical care, a clear understanding of what happens when our blood or urine or other body fluid specimen is sent “off to the lab” will help us to become more knowledgeable participants in our own healthcare.

All labs are not the same for the simple reason that not all tests are the same. Just as tests vary, labs also vary in complexity, the volume of tests performed, the technology utilized, and the number and type of professionals who perform the testing.

There are important differences among the various testing settings. This information will be useful in understanding the variety of laboratory tests that are available.