Understanding Your Lab Results

The name of the lab or test that was performed.

Where the test was completed. Some examples include through urine samples, via pharyngeal (mouth) swab, or vaginally. This information is important to know in the event of a positive result to show where you may have been exposed.

Your test result can be shown as a set of numbers or words. To help understand your results better, the words under “Result” are a different color if they are out of range.       

• Negative or Non-reactive – the infection you were tested for was not found
• Positive or Reactive – the infection you were tested for was found
• See Note or “Comment” – see the “Comment” section for more details about your result

• Inconclusive – this result is neither positive nor negative. This result can occur from inadequate sample collection, very early-stage infection, or for patients                    close to recovery. With an inconclusive result, collecting and testing another sample is recommended

The number or word in this section is what the “normal value” is for this lab result. This range helps show what a typical normal result looks like. If your results fall outside of this range, or if you have symptoms despite a normal result, you will likely need more testing. These ranges are typically determined by analyzing a large population of healthy individuals and establishing the range of values that most people fall within and is often provided on lab reports to help healthcare professionals interpret the results and determine if any abnormalities or potential health issues exist.