Interpretation of Biochemical Tests
The following sections are included:
Introduction
Diagnosis
Management
Prognosis
Screening
Population screening
Selective screening
Individual screening
Opportunistic screening
Other Uses of Laboratory Tests
Biochemical profiling
Baseline
Collection of Specimens
Identification of Patient Specimens
Interpretation of Laboratory Results
Reference Ranges
Population-based reference ranges
Risk-based reference range
Detection of a Significant Change
Factors Affecting Test Results
Biological Factors (Table 1.2)
Age
Sex
Body composition
Ethnicity/race
Time of day
Stress
Posture
Food intake
Drugs
Exercise
Intrinsic biological variation
Analytical Factors
The Diagnostic Value of an Investigation
Cut-off Value
Likelihood Ratios
General Principles
Steady State vs. Transient State
Concentration vs. Amount
Concentration vs. Activity
Urinary Excretion
Further Reading
Summary/Key Points