REFERENCE RANGES

We receive many questions regarding how our test reference ranges are determined.
Below are some factors that lead to the establishment of reference ranges:

1. Some reference ranges are received from national guidance and counseling organizations e.g., AMA, ADA, NCEP. Recently, reference ranges for Fasting Glucose were lowered to <100 mg/dl by the American Diabetes Association in response to new findings in the study of the disease. Interpath incorporates changes suggested by such organizations.
2. Many test reference ranges are specifically identified by the analyte or instrument methodology used to perform the test.
3. Sex and age criteria require differentiated reference ranges for some tests.
4. Some reference ranges are determined by the average/mean of test results taken
   from a large population of healthy patients along with industry guidelines.

When reference ranges are changed due to any of the above reasons, a memo is sent to physicians and a comment is made on patient results to alert the physician of this change.