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FAQ: Lab and Diagnostic Tests

Question: Where can I find information about lab or diagnostic tests?

Answer:

  • Ask your health care provider about specific lab tests, x-rays, reagents, home test kits, or other diagnostic tests.
    Ask how the tests are performed, what the results mean, and what the normal range is for the test.
  • Look at the MedlinePlus® health topic page for laboratory tests at
    http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/laboratorytests.html
  • Find Medical test information in the A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia at
    http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html
  • Look at the list of health topic pages about other Diagnostic Tests at
    http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diagnostictests.html
  • Search MEDLINE/PubMed, the NLM® database for biomedical literature, for journal articles about testing for
    various diseases or conditions at http://pubmed.gov
  • Contact the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA):

    Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)
    Phone: 800-835-4709 or 301-827-1800
    http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/default.htm

    OR

    Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
    Phone: 800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100
    http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/default.htm
  • Go to Lab Tests Online, developed by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, at http://labtestsonline.org/
  • Contact your local pharmacy and grocery store health-beauty aid section for home test kits.
  • Visit your local hardware or department store for radon, carbon monoxide, air quality, and water analysis test kits.
  • Contact the company that makes the test kit.
  • Contact your local library for books that describe diagnostic and laboratory tests.

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