GENERAL QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

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1. Understanding the Results
   •    What do my lab results mean in simple terms?
   •    Are my results normal, high, or low?
   •    What is the normal range, and how far am I from it?
   •    Which results should I be most concerned about?

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2. Reasons for the Test
   •    Why was this test ordered?
   •    What condition or disease does this test check for?
   •    Were these tests done as screening, diagnosis, or monitoring?
 

3. Follow-Up or Next Steps
   •    Do I need additional tests or repeat labs?
   •    How often should I repeat these labs?
   •    Should I see a specialist?

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4. Impact on My Health
   •    What do these results say about my overall health?
   •    Could these results indicate early disease or risk factors?
   •    What symptoms should I watch for?

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5. Lifestyle and Prevention
   •    What lifestyle changes should I make based on these results?
   •    Do I need to adjust my diet, exercise, or sleep habits?
   •    Should I lose weight, reduce salt, sugar, or cholesterol intake?

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6. Medications and Treatment
   •    Do I need medication based on these results?
   •    Are there side effects I should know about?
   •    Are there non-medication options to improve these numbers?

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7. Monitoring and Long-Term Care
   •    How will we monitor these results over time?
   •    What numbers should I personally keep track of?
   •    When should I schedule my next check-up?

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🧾 Common Lab Tests Patients Should Ask About

Examples of labs many adults receive:
   •    Complete Blood Count (CBC) – checks infection, anemia
   •    Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – kidney, liver, electrolytes
   •    Lipid Panel – cholesterol and heart risk
   •    Hemoglobin A1C – diabetes screening
   •    Thyroid tests (TSH, T3, T4) – thyroid function
   •    Vitamin levels (Vitamin D, B12)
   •    Urinalysis

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Women-Specific Health Questions

Women may also ask about the following and more:
   •    Pap smear results
   •    Mammogram results
   •    Bone density testing
   •    Hormone levels
   •    Pregnancy-related labs

Cardiovascular risk markers

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Men-Specific Health Questions

Men may also ask about the following and more:
   •    PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) results
   •    Testosterone levels
   •    Cardiovascular risk markers

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✅ Key Tip:
It is good to ask:
   •    “What can I do to improve these results?”
   •    “What number should I aim for?”