When you receive your medical lab report, you might feel confused by the numbers and abbreviations that seem unclear. However, reading medical tests is not as complicated as it seems and can be understood with some simple guidelines.
In this article, we provide you with your complete guide to reading test results, along with tips for understanding them correctly, in collaboration with the top specialists at Advanced Cell Laboratories (ACL) in Saudi Arabia.
What are Medical Lab Tests and How Are They Read?
Medical lab tests are laboratory examinations performed on samples of blood, urine, stool, or other body fluids to assess health status or detect diseases early. Reading the results involves:- Comparing results with normal reference ranges
- Interpreting any abnormal values
- Correlating results with the patient’s clinical symptoms
Why Understanding Your Lab Results is Important
- Make accurate medical decisions based on reliable results
- Early detection of diseases such as anemia, liver and kidney disorders, diabetes, and thyroid conditions
- Monitor treatment effectiveness if you are under ongoing medical therapy
- Increase your health awareness and understanding of your body
Best Lab to Help You Read Your Medical Tests in Saudi Arabia
If you are looking for the best place to provide medical test reading services online or in person, **Advanced Cell Laboratories (ACL)** is your ideal choice thanks to:- A certified and specialized medical team for interpreting blood and other test results
- Providing a lab test code table to help you understand reports
- Accurate medical consultation services based on your results
- Easy access through their branches in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other regions
Why You Need an Accredited Lab to Read Your Medical Tests
- Compliance with international quality standards
- Providing reliable reports recognized in all hospitals and medical centers
- Ensuring full privacy of your medical data
- Benefit from the expertise of doctors and specialists in reading complex lab tests
Most Common Medical Tests and How to Interpret Them
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Measures: Red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets
- Interpretation:
- Low RBC: Anemia
- High WBC: Infection or inflammation
- Low or high Platelets: Clotting disorder
2. Blood Glucose Test (Glucose)
- Types: Fasting (FBS), Postprandial (PPG), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
- Interpretation:
- FBS Normal: 70–99 mg/dL
- HbA1c Normal: Less than 5.7%
- High: Pre-diabetes or diabetes
3. Lipid Profile
- Includes: Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides
- Interpretation:
- High LDL: Heart risk
- Low HDL: Heart risk
- High Triglycerides: Heart and pancreas risk
4. Liver Function Tests (LFT)
- Includes: AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin
- Interpretation:
- High ALT/AST: Liver inflammation or damage
- High Bilirubin: Liver problems or bile duct obstruction
5. Kidney Function Tests (RFT)
- Includes: Creatinine, Urea, Uric acid
- Interpretation:
- High Creatinine: Kidney dysfunction
- High Uric Acid: Gout or excretion issues
6. Thyroid Panel
- Includes: TSH, Free T4, Free T3
- Interpretation:
- High TSH: Hypothyroidism
- Low TSH: Hyperthyroidism
7. Complete Urinalysis
- Detects: Infections, sugar, protein, blood
- Interpretation:
- Protein or blood: Kidney or bladder issues
- Pus: Urinary infection
8. Vitamin D Test
- Normal Level: 30–100 ng/mL
- Interpretation:
- Below 20: Severe deficiency
- 20–30: Moderate deficiency
- Above 30: Normal
9. Iron and Ferritin
- Interpretation:
- Low Ferritin: Iron store deficiency
- High: Chronic inflammation or liver disease
10. Immune or Inflammatory Tests (CRP, ESR)
- Interpretation:
- High CRP: Active infection or inflammation
- High ESR: Chronic inflammation or autoimmune disease
How to Easily Read Lab Test Codes
- Use the lab test code table provided by the lab
- Compare your results with the normal ranges shown in the report
- Ask your doctor or the lab if you notice any values outside the normal range
- Do not rely only on personal interpretation; seek a specialist consultation
Correct Steps to Understand Your Lab Test Results
- Read the test name and the substance tested
- Compare the result with the reference range
- Notice whether the value is high or low
- Record any symptoms or observations you have
- Book an appointment with a specialist for a precise final interpretation
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Lab Tests
How do I interpret my test results? Review with your doctor or through the best lab reading service in Saudi Arabia. Can urine and stool tests be interpreted? Yes, the report includes a detailed explanation of the measured components. Are online lab reading services available? Yes, ACL provides online medical test reading and analysis services. What should I do if the results are outside the normal range? Consult your doctor immediately for additional tests and an appropriate treatment plan.
How to Get a Precise Medical Consultation for Your Test Results
- Contact **Advanced Cell Laboratories (ACL)** to book an appointment
- Send your lab results electronically via the website
- Receive a specialized medical consultation with a comprehensive report
