Allied Health in Action
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Ever wondered what your laboratory test values mean? Is my HDL value OK? Is something seriously wrong if my physician ordered an hs-CRP? Does that TSH value mean I have a thyroid problem? My white count is elevated – does this mean I have leukemia? What is a reference range and is it important? A clinical laboratory scientist can tell you! A collaboration between the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and a consortium of laboratory industry organizations is providing a tremendous service for patients who are seeking information about the significance of their laboratory test results.
There are two elements to this success story. The first is the non-commercial website Lab Tests Online ( www.labtestsonline.org ) which is sponsored by a number of laboratory-related industries and professional organizations. This site provides information about specific laboratory tests written for patients. The second and unique element is the ASK US link. This link, which is sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) allows patients to email questions about their specific laboratory values to a team of experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientists who are members of ASCLS. This group – the ASCLS Consumer Response Team – is composed of more than 50 individuals who have expertise in one or more areas of the clinical laboratory – clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology/immunohematology.
The response team began in 2001 as the brainchild of Susan J. Leclair, PhD, CLS(NCA) to help patients understand what their laboratory values mean. The CLS has a broad knowledge of clinical laboratory tests and can explain the significance of laboratory test values as well as how the values help determine a specific diagnosis. The site currently receives about 115 questions per day from individuals all over the world. These questions come from patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
Feedback from patients include comments such as :
...I obtained a clear, thougthful, and insightful answer.
...Thank you so much,
that is exactly what I wanted to know. It is such a pleasure to deal with someone who knows what they are talking about!
...
I just wanted to say thank you for your reply. I can't express how much better you have made me feel.
...Thank you for giving of yourself and providing a service to the public. My doctor tried to tell me that the reading was nothing to be concerned about but he did not explain it as you did. I am now enlightened because of you.
...I do not think I will ever get over the kindness of everyone I have dealt with on the ASCLS team. Thank you so much for such an in-depth answer.
...Thank you for your concise reply to my inquiry about my test results. Your reply was more understandable than the explanations of the cardiologist and my family physician. I appreciate your help.
---Due to your response, I immediately went to the ER and was placed on medication. Without your timely response, I would have had many hours more without relief from my symptoms Yours is a wonderful site and you provide a great service to the world community.
Laboratory personnel are not often thought of when it comes to having direct patient contact – they are “behind the scenes.” However, with projects such as this that involve interaction with a variety of patients, these professionals have a ‘face' and a prominent presence as part of the health care team.