Lab results ------------------ how to read them?

Ok, I go in for lab work in 10 days. Question: I would like to know how to read the results myself. Is there a chart somewhere that shows how many mg or whatever measurement they use that puts you in the ''normal'' range? Cheryl

The lab results themselves will indicate the labs "normal range" for things. Each lab has different norms. But when you get the results and say see a high PTH (parathyroid hormone) level... you could look PTH up on www.labtestsonline.org and see about the test and what a high level (or a low level) means. The website doesn't list what normal values are since labs differ. Kathy

Cheryl, as Kathy stated your labs should have a reference normal range on them. The site Kathy refers to is an excellent source for understanding what each test result means. On a suggestion from someone else I've gotten copies of all my labs (beginning with my pre-op labs) and have been tracking them in excel. This allows me to follow trends should I see some of my numbers dropping, then I can adjust my vitamins as needed. Dana