LABORATORY RESULTS

Reference values are used to interpret laboratory tests: these are based on results seen in 95% of the helth population. Sometimes patients whose tests are outside the reference values may be healthy, and some patients whose tests results are within the reference values may be unwell. Reference values vary between different groups (e.g. men and women). Reference values can also vary between different laboratories, as a result of the different equipment and testing methods used. Individual laboratories should have their own lab ranges to account for the instruments they use.

A range of typical values is shown in the following tables.