What should I do if my lab test results are abnormal?
If your lab test results are abnormal, you should schedule a follow-up visit with a DrHouse physician as soon as possible to review the results and determine the appropriate next steps.
Quick Answer
- Book a follow-up visit to review abnormal results
- Your physician will explain what the results mean
- Not all abnormal results are serious
- You may need treatment, repeat testing, or monitoring
- Do not self-diagnose or start treatment on your own
What to Do Next
Abnormal lab results don’t always mean something is wrong, but they do need proper medical interpretation. Your DrHouse physician will:
- Review your results in the context of your symptoms and history
- Explain whether the findings are mild, significant, or require action
- Recommend next steps, such as treatment, lifestyle changes, or further testing
Scheduling a follow-up visit ensures you get clear, accurate guidance.
What Abnormal Results Might Mean
Abnormal values can happen for many reasons, including:
- Temporary changes (diet, hydration, stress, illness)
- Lab variation or borderline results
- An underlying condition that needs evaluation
Your physician will determine whether the result is something to monitor or something that requires treatment.
Possible Next Steps
Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend:
- Treatment or medication if a condition is diagnosed
- Repeat testing to confirm results
- Additional lab work or referrals for further evaluation
- Monitoring over time if the abnormality is mild
Limitations and What to Know
- Abnormal results are not always a diagnosis
- Next steps depend on your overall clinical picture
- Some conditions may require in-person evaluation or specialist care
- Timing and urgency vary based on the specific result
Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.
Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.
If you are experiencing high fever (>103F/39.4C), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding, extreme fatigue, dizziness, new weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, confusion, extreme pain in any body part, or inability to remain hydrated or keep down fluids or feel you may have any other life-threatening condition, please go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.
