The Lab Results Section of a Medical Record

The medical record is a report that contains all the health information for a patient. Providers use these health records to understand the previous history, diagnosis, and treatment options for a patient. There are different types of data that are included in a medical chart. Some of the contained information in a health record is the patient demographics, medical history, progress notes, diagnoses, medications, and allergies. A significant portion of the record is the laboratory results. A clinician is familiar with all of these results. However, as a patient you may not know what all the values mean. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common lab results present in a medical record.

Common Lab Tests

1. Complete blood count – this group of tests is the most common blood test performed known as a CBC. It looks at the types and numbers of cells in the blood, including red and white blood cells and platelets. The CBC helps determine general health status and screens for disorders or nutritional status. It can diagnose conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and infection. It also assists in evaluating weakness, fatigue, and bruising symptoms.

2. Basic or comprehensive metabolic panel – a group of tests that can help monitor effects of medications, diagnose certain conditions, or part of health care screening. These tests check for levels of glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine.

3. Lipid panel – a group of tests to evaluate cardiac risk. It includes assessing the total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL levels.

4. Liver panel – a group of tests used to assess the function of the liver and enzyme levels, such as AST, ALT, and GGT.

5. Urinalysis – a urine screening test used to assess for early signs of infection and monitor other diseases like diabetes and kidney disease.

Why would you want your medical records?

Having copies of your medical records can help you track and trend your laboratory results. Sharing these copies with your new provider if you are transferring care will also be important as they continue your care. Your new provider will be able to access your previous lab results and track changes moving forward. Having this data on hand will enable your new doctor to also monitor your conditions.

How to get copies of your medical records

Getting copies of your medical record is easy with assistance from Order Medical Records. Our expert team is skilled in locating medical records! Let us do the work for you. The ordering process is made simple by filling out the form online. You can also give us a call at 714 559-3071 if you have any questions.