(SDL) Interpreting test results

Question 1

What are the contents of a lab report?

Answer 1

• demographic details from request
• results from lab analysis
• references ranges from scientific knowledge
• comments and advice from experience (human and computer knowledge bases)

Question 2

List strategies to improve test

Answer 2

• select a more ‘normal’ population
• use a combination of tests (eg. LFT profiles)
• combine tests to achieve a diagnostic goal eg. neonatal screening for PKU and hypothyroidism
• sensitive first line test (low cost)
• specific test for screen positives (higher cost)

Question 3

What are the appropriate ‘normal’ populations?

Answer 3

• patients with similar presenting symptoms eg. chest pain
• same age
• same gender
• hospitalised ‘normals’
• same underlying disease

Question 4

List some factors that affect reference ranges

Answer 4

• age
• gender
• diet
• pregnancy
• time of month
• time of day
• time of year
• weight
• stimulus

(must bear in mind when interpreting results)

Question 5

Glycosylation of protein leads to what?

Answer 5

Advanced glycosylated endproducts (AGE)

• non-enzymatic process
• rate of formation proportional to glucose concentration and time
• may explain long-term compilations of diabetes

Question 6

What is HbA1c?

Answer 6

Stable glycosylated haemoglobin

- its percentage concentration indicated cumulative glucose exposure