Laboratory Tests
Basics
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See, Play and Learn
Research
Resources
For You
Summary
Laboratory tests check a sample of your blood, urine, or body tissues. A technician or your doctor analyzes the test samples to see if your results fall within the normal range. The tests use a range because what is normal differs from person to person. Many factors affect test results. These include
- Your sex, age and race
- What you eat and drink
- Medicines you take
- How well you followed pre-test instructions
Your doctor may also compare your results to results from previous tests. Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. They also help doctors diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.
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How to Understand Your Lab Results
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
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Lab Test Information
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
- Laboratory Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
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Understanding Laboratory Tests
(National Cancer Institute)
Also in Spanish
Specifics
- Collecting Samples for Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
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Differential Diagnosis
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
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Fasting for a Blood Test
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
- Helping You Identify Quality Laboratory Services (Joint Commission) - PDF
- Home Use Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
- How Reliable Is Laboratory Testing? (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- How to Read Your Pathology Report (College of American Pathologists)
- How You Can Get the Best Results with Home Use Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
- Putting New Laboratory Tests Into Practice (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Reference Ranges & What They Mean (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Stool Tests (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Test Preparation: Your Role (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Tips on Blood Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Venous Sampling (American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
- Where Lab Tests Are Performed (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- With Home Testing, Consumers Take Charge of Their Health (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- World of Forensic Laboratory Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Videos and Tutorials
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Getting a Urine Test (For Kids)
(Nemours Foundation)
Also in Spanish
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Reading Your Pathology Report
(College of American Pathologists)
Statistics and Research
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Biosensors and Your Health: What's Your Body Trying to Tell You?
(National Institutes of Health)
Also in Spanish
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Reference Desk
- Glossary (Food and Drug Administration)
- Index of Glossary Terms (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Find an Expert
- Accredited Laboratory and Biorepository Directory (College of American Pathologists)
Children
- Basic Blood Tests (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
- Blood Culture (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
- Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)