2007-09-22 16:56:16 · 6 answers · asked by tj 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
I disagree with "emack" TJ. I'm glad to see someone interested in understanding his or her own medical care.
I am a retired internal medicine doc who did try to explain lab results to patients who wanted to understand. This takes time, and often doctors are too busy to explain it all. You have some good suggestions here. One is to look at the normal ranges on the lab report, but you are probably most concerned about things outside the normal range. If your doc will explain, that is the bast thing. Sometimes his or her nurse or PA will help.
Due to confidentiality, it is difficult for you to broadcast your lab abnormalities on the internet, but perhaps you could ask a question such as "What does a BUN and creatinine measure?" or "Should I be concerned about an elevated Alk. Phos.?"
There are many sharp people on this site. You don't need a 12 year medical education to understand lab results. It just takes someone with the experience and time to explain. These things are usually fairly simple to explain for anyone.
2007-09-22 19:45:47 · answer #1 · answered by Spreedog 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What kind of laboratory results do you mean? There are so many. Give the name of the test and it will be easier for people to give you some insight as to interpreting your results.
2007-09-23 00:03:04 · answer #2 · answered by LibanSuga 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most individual lab results give the 'normal range' in one of the columns--compare
never trust your doctor (fully)
get a second, third opinion
and google, google
speak with 'support' groups, they are often super specialists in particular problems
good luck
2007-09-23 00:58:34 · answer #3 · answered by jamus d woespuss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask the doctor and save yourself 12 years of post high school education!
2007-09-23 02:01:45 · answer #4 · answered by KitKat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Way more info needed.
2007-09-23 00:00:25 · answer #5 · answered by violentquaker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't, only your doctor should
2007-09-23 00:04:44 · answer #6 · answered by emack 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋