Normalization of reported lab results

Abstract

It is possible for physicians to review electronic lab results in the format of the sending lab and, as well, to see them using advanced visualization techniques. When lab results for a particular patient are reviewed by a physician, they must be integrated with other lab results and other issues of the patient. Viewing the results can present a number of difficulties. One problem relates to normal ranges that can change over time and can be different when sent by different labs. This is not an issue when results are printed but when the results are graphed with their normal range displayed, distortions often prompt questions from patients who are shown the results. There are also situations were it is important to review a cluster of four or five different tests to properly understand the clinical situation. Tests in the cluster, however, can have interrelated result values that differ by orders of magnitude. Normalization, which can be used to scale the graphs, has been proposed in the past but not gained any popularity. The benefits of this approach are discussed.