Understanding Lab Test Results

Overview

Lab tests play an important role in your health care. They help your doctor make a diagnosis or treatment decisions. But they may not provide all of the information that your doctor needs.

Your doctor will not usually make a decision or diagnosis based only on the results of a lab test, unless the test results are clear. Instead, the doctor will use test results along with information about your health, age, and other factors.

Making sense of your lab test involves more than just knowing why the test is done. It's also important to understand what the results mean and what can affect the results. Sometimes when you last ate or exercised can affect results. Medicines or herbal supplements and your age also can affect them.