Lab Results

After having lab testing done, you may feel anxious about receiving your lab results. Oftentimes, your doctor will call you or schedule a follow-up appointment to walk you through the numbers or address any findings.

It’s important to keep in mind that result times vary depending on the lab demand or the type of testing being performed. We will let you know as soon as your results are ready. Talk to your doctor for more specific information on the timeline for your testing.

What Do Lab Results Show?

You may have access to your lab results without going through your provider, however, you can always schedule an appointment with your doctor to address any questions you have about your results.

Generally, lab results will include basic information such as:

• Your name
• The name and address of the location where the specimen was collected
• The date the specimen was collected
• The name and address of the location where the testing was completed
• The date the test was run
• The name of your provider or the provider who ordered the testing
• The test results, including any critical result information

Certain factors that can affect testing may be noted on lab results like:

• Medications you are taking
• Condition of the specimen
• Deviations from testing procedures

Additional factors that may also affect testing results include:

• Some foods and beverages
• Stress levels
• Vigorous exercises
• Other illnesses or conditions

How to Analyze Your Lab Results

Lab results will contain pertinent information about the test findings. These can be presented in a variety of formats. Most commonly, you may see:

• Negative/Normal/Non-Reactive: The specimen being tested for was not found in the sample.
• Positive/Abnormal/Reactive: The specimen being tested for was found in the sample.
• Inconclusive/Uncertain: Conclusions could not be determined based on the specimen being tested. If you see this noted on your results, you will most likely need further testing.
• H/Higher: The levels of the substance being tested were found to be higher than normal.
• L/Lower: The levels of the substance being tested were found to be lower than normal.

The test may also show a range of numbers, which will indicate the levels or the amount of a given substance found within the specimen collected.

For any additional questions about your lab results, contact your doctor, who can provide support and guidance. Your doctor may also recommend some important next steps.