Reference values

Reference values are a set of healthcare standards used in diagnostic medicine to interpret medical test results. They are also known as "normal values" or "reference ranges". These values are determined by testing a large population to find out what is "normal" for that population. The values are then used as a benchmark to interpret individual test results.

Definition

Reference values are defined as the range of values that 95% of the normal population falls within. It is important to note that being outside of the reference range does not necessarily mean a person is unhealthy. Many factors can influence test results, including sex, age, race, medical history, and general health.

Use in Medicine

In medicine, reference values are used to interpret a patient's test results. If a result falls within the reference range, it is considered normal. If it falls outside the range, it may indicate a potential health problem. However, it is important to consider the patient's overall health and other test results before making a diagnosis.

Determining Reference Values

Reference values are determined by testing a large population of healthy individuals. The results are then analyzed to determine the reference range. This range is typically defined as the values that 95% of the healthy population falls within. However, this can vary depending on the test and the population being studied.

Limitations

While reference values are a useful tool in diagnostic medicine, they have some limitations. For one, they are based on population averages, so they may not be accurate for individuals who are not part of the population studied. Additionally, being outside of the reference range does not necessarily mean a person is unhealthy. Many factors can influence test results, including sex, age, race, medical history, and general health.

See Also

• Diagnostic medicine
• Medical test
• Healthcare standards

Reference values Resources
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