Understanding Lab Test Results
Why It Is Done
Lab tests are generally done for one of the following reasons:
- To find the cause of symptoms
- To confirm a diagnosis
- To screen for a disease. Screening tests are often done for people of a specific age or those who have a high risk for a specific disease.
- To help rule out a disease or condition
- To assess the severity of a disease
- To monitor the progression of a disease, how well an organ is working, or if treatment is helping
- To verify specific events (for example, DNA testing after a rape, or urine testing to look for drug use)
Many conditions can change your lab results. Your health professional will talk with you about any abnormal results as they relate to you.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Carrie Henley | Last Updated: August 6, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Overview | |
 | Why It Is Done |
| Results | |
| Home Test Kits | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| Related Information | |
| References | |
| Credits | |