What is the difference between a normal text result and ranges?

When creating a lab form, you need to remember that the items you include in the form will be used to define lab normals for a local lab. For each lab test, you can either use a normal text result or low and high range values to define lab normals.

Some lab tests answer straightforward questions, such as a pregnancy test or an infection test that can have a Positive or Negative result. Another example for a text result might be Inconclusive. This usually means the lab doesn't have a clear answer based on the sample provided for the test.

Reference ranges, on the other hand, don't offer straightforward answers. But they can offer valuable information for a multitude of lab tests. Think about a creatinine test or a test measuring your cholesterol levels. The number that results after your blood samples are analyzed isn't relevant unless you compare it to a reference range or value. For example, a creatinine test may be defined with a low range value of 0.84 mg/dl and a high range value of 1.21 mg/dl.

When you define your lab normals, make sure you choose the right lab normal value for each test: whether it's a normal text result or a set of low and high range values.