Health Topics
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/laboratorytests.html
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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.
Specifics
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At-Home Medical Tests
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
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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
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How to Cope with Medical Test Anxiety
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
- 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)
- Stool Tests (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Venous Sampling (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
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What You Need to Know About Blood Testing
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
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)
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Hematologic Tests
(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Urinalysis
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Reference Desk
- Home Use Tests: Glossary (Food and Drug Administration)
Find an Expert
- Accredited Laboratory and Biorepository Directory (College of American Pathologists)
Children
- Basic Blood Chemistry Tests (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
- Biobanks (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Blood Culture (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
- Collecting a Stool Sample for Testing (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Getting a Blood Test (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
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How to Prepare Your Child for a Lab Test
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
- Types of Blood Tests (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.