Is this glossary a result-interpretation tool?

No. It defines general report terms. It does not accept personal information, interpret a visitor’s report, or offer diagnosis or treatment guidance.

Does the glossary provide preparation or retesting instructions?

No. Terms such as fasting instruction and repeat test are defined at a general level. Instructions for a specific test come from the ordering clinician or laboratory.

How is the glossary filter used?

The filter only reorganizes the published terms in the browser. It does not request, upload, retain, or evaluate laboratory results or health information.

Educational reference · non-diagnostic

Laboratory report terminology glossary

Plain-language definitions for labels that may appear on a laboratory report. These terms describe the report’s structure; they do not interpret any person’s value.

Find a term

Report labels, explained neutrally

10 terms shown. The filter works only on the definitions published on this page.

Assay: The analytical procedure or method used to measure or detect something in a specimen. A report may identify the method or assay when that context is supplied.
Collection date: The date, and sometimes time, associated with obtaining the specimen. It is distinct from the date a report is viewed.
Fasting instruction: An instruction that may appear before a test. Follow the instructions given by the ordering clinician or laboratory rather than using this glossary as preparation advice.
Follow-up instruction: A direction or note supplied by the ordering clinician or laboratory about what to do with a completed report. This glossary does not create follow-up instructions.
Laboratory: The reporting organization named on a result document. Its name helps keep a result connected to the report-specific context.
Reference range: The comparison interval printed by a laboratory for a particular report. It is a reading aid tied to that report, not a universal target or diagnosis.
Repeat test: A test performed again at another time. Whether retesting is relevant is a clinical question; this page does not provide a personal retest schedule.
Result: The reported finding or measurement. It should be read alongside its test name, unit, report-specific range, and stated report context.
Specimen: The sample used for laboratory testing, such as blood, urine, or another body fluid or tissue.
Unit: The stated expression for a measurement. A numerical result without its unit cannot be meaningfully compared.

Source note

Definitions support questions, not conclusions

Reviewed August 22, 2026. The definitions summarize general report labels from MedlinePlus educational material and are intentionally limited to context, terminology, and report structure.