This Week's WOW - Lab Tests Online

Yes -- I do mean WOW -- but in this case, it stands for Website of the Week.

Beginning today, and early each week, I plan to feature a website that you, an empowered patient, can use to improve your chances for getting the good healthcare you deserve.

Today's offering is Lab Tests Online, that's http://www.labtestsonline.org/ -- a great resource for finding out what those tests are the doctor has ordered from you, then interpreting them when the results come in.

Further, you can look at the names and descriptions of medical tests that are used for different diseases or conditions, and you can what kinds of screening tests can be used to diagnose various diseases or conditions.

Here is an example of how to use the site:

Say your doctor says she wants to run a CA-125.  You know there is a suspicion of ovarian cancer, but you have no idea what kind of test it is. What should you wear to the test?  Is it something that requires to you fast the night before?  What's a normal outcome?

Go to Lab Tests Online.  Look up the CA-125.  You'll learn that it's a simple blood test (yes, wear your jeans!) and it says nothing about restricting food prior to the test.  It then explains what outcomes you and your doctor should be looking for.  By reading the information and digesting it ahead of time, you'll be better prepared to discuss the possibilities and outcomes with your doctor.

Lab Tests Online is provided by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry and is HON Code compliant, providing two very important credentials for reliable Internet health information.

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Learn more or join the conversation!

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