Laboratory tests evaluate a sample of your blood, urine or body tissues. A medical technologist analyzes the test samples to see if your results fall within the normal range. 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. Test results also help doctors diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.
Learn more about questions you should ask your doctor when a Lab test is ordered: