Reference ranges are supplied strictly for guidance only, and
these should be used rather than those quoted in textbooks, diaries etc, as both methods and units vary from department to department. These should
not be published as methodology changes in line with the
introduction of new techniques the ranges become outdated and
therefore are subject to constant review. The current
reference/therapeutic range is always included with the final report.
5% of the healthy population will have results marginally outside the quoted reference range.
Ranges may be affected by age, gender, ethnic group,
pregnancy, time
of sampling and many other factors. Detailed information or advice on
interpretation is always available from the laboratory.
Additional information regarding significant differences, for the most frequently
requested Clinical Chemistry tests, is included. Significant differences are
calculated from the analytical variance and biological variablity associated with each
test and indicate the degree of change in sequential results that is likely to be significant.