What to Do If Your Test Results Are Abnormal: Next Steps

What to Do If Your Test Results Are Abnormal

Opening a patient portal to find a red flag or a label marked "abnormal" on blood work, imaging scans, or pathology reports can immediately trigger anxiety. However, an abnormal test result does not automatically mean you have a severe disease. Understanding how to interpret test findings, consult your physician, and organize next steps helps you handle the situation effectively.

Maintain Perspective and Avoid Self-Diagnosis

An abnormal lab value or imaging finding is a piece of clinical information, not a final medical diagnosis.

• Recognize standard range variances: Medical lab reference ranges are based on statistical averages. Minor variations outside the "normal" range are common and often clinically insignificant.

• Understand temporary influences: Dehydration, recent meals, intense exercise, minor viral infections, or stress can temporarily shift lab values (such as liver enzymes, white blood cell counts, or blood sugar) out of range.

• Avoid online panic: Refrain from searching isolated abnormal values online. Uncontextualized internet searches often present worst-case scenarios that may not apply to your health profile.

Contact Your Ordering Physician for Context

Only the healthcare provider who ordered the test can accurately interpret your results within the context of your overall health, symptoms, and medical history.

• Request a consultation or call-back: Contact the clinic that ordered the test and ask to schedule a follow-up appointment or receive a phone consult to review the findings.

• Ask targeted clarification questions: Ask your doctor:

  • What does this specific result mean for my health?

  • How far out of the expected range is this value?

  • Could external factors or medications have influenced this result?

  • Do we need to repeat the test to confirm the finding?

Prepare for Repeat Testing or Additional Diagnostics

Physicians frequently order follow-up testing to confirm an initial abnormal finding or investigate further.

• Repeat the test: A single abnormal result is often re-tested after a few days or weeks to see if the value normalizes on its own.

• Undergo secondary diagnostic imaging or labs: Your doctor may recommend higher-resolution scans (like an MRI or CT scan) or specialized blood panels to gain detailed clinical clarity.

Document and Track Your Diagnostic Results

Organize your health records so you can monitor trends over time.

• Keep digital or physical records: Download copies of the full lab report or radiology impression from your patient portal for your personal health file.

• Track long-term trends: Comparing current abnormal values against past test results helps your medical team determine whether a finding is brand new or a chronic baseline for your body.

FAQ

Why did my doctor not call me immediately if my lab results came back marked "abnormal"?

Clinics prioritize urgent, critical lab values that require immediate intervention. Non-critical or minor abnormal values are usually reviewed routinely and discussed during scheduled follow-up calls or visits.

What should I do if I cannot understand the complex medical language in my pathology or imaging report?

Write down specific medical terms you do not recognize and ask your doctor or nurse to translate them into clear language during your consultation. Avoid making assumptions based on complex medical jargon.