Reference ranges

Why we do not publish reference ranges, and why collection technique matters for them.

Use the laboratory’s ranges

Reference ranges depend on the laboratory’s analysers, methods and population, and differ with age, sex and pregnancy. We do not publish them. Use the ranges on the laboratory report, and leave interpretation to the clinician.

Why collection matters

Collection can move a result when nothing has changed in the patient. Haemolysis can falsely raise potassium, a tourniquet left on too long can alter several results, and some tests depend on time of day or fasting.

General information only. Your receiving laboratory's handbook and your employer's procedures take precedence.

More reference

Blood tube colours and additives

What the common blood tube additives are for, and why the cap colour is only a guide.

Order of draw: quick reference

A short summary of the order of draw and why it matters.

Reading a blood test request

What to check on a request before you take blood.

Lola Dispatch is invitation-only

Lola Dispatch offers mobile blood draw jobs to approved phlebotomists. We add phlebotomists by invitation.

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