You made it! We covered a lot of ground in this module. If you don't remember many of the details, don't worry. Our main goal was to expose you to these important tests. Let's briefly cover how you can use this knowledge about lab results.
- Your Personal Plan has charts that list all the tests we've covered, what each one measures, the target range, and room for you to write down your lab results for each test. Take the charts with you when you go over your lab results with a member from your health care team. Ask your doctor and dietitian to look over the Personal Plan to see if they would make any adjustments to the target range listed for each test. Your doctor may have good reasons for giving you another target range.
- Compare your lab scores with the target ranges for each test. Write your scores in the charts in your Personal Plan. This will allow you to see your progress over time.
- Ask your doctor, nurse, or dietitian questions about any score that is outside the target range. For instance:
- What might be causing my score to be out of the target range?
- What can be done to bring it back into the target range?
- How can I help improve this score?
This approach will help you to work closely with your health care team toward the goal of staying as healthy as you can. The more you watch your lab tests, the easier it will be to spot a problem. Never be afraid to ask your doctor, nurse, or dietitian any question that relates to your lab results. You have a right to know. It's your body and you are the main person responsible for your health.
