There are a number of reasons for this - not least the sensitivity of the reference range - and the range set. Different laboratories use different ranges and measurements. There are also different ranges, in some tests, between the sexes and/or ethnic backgrounds - or simply age group. For example - using the results in the image provided - we can see that the Hb is outside of range. Hb is the abbreviation used for haemoglobin. It is a protein used by red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues and cells in the body. Low Hb can mean anaemia which can cause fatigue, amongst other symptoms. In this example, the Hb result is 120. The reference range is 133 -173 g/L. According to the range set and the units used, this result is low - which could indicate anaemia. However, NICE defines anaemia as a Hb level of: • <130 g/l in men • <120 g/l in women who are not pregnant • <110 g/l in pregnant women So, although the result is outside of the range on this test, it may not - on its own - mean that anaemia is present. We need to look at other (Full Blood Count - FBC) results AND the individual being tested - in order to fully understand the result - and what, it may mean for them.
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