Unit-independent reporting of laboratory test results

A variety of laboratory measurement units, assay systems, and reference val ues are presently being used in different clinical environments. There is t herefore a challenge in provision of tools for presentation of laboratory d ata in harmonized forms that reduce the information Load and reinforce clin ical perception of test results. This paper describes the use of standard d eviation (SD) units and logarithmic time graphical displays to improve pres entation of laboratory test results. The SD concept employs strength of the change from normality as a diagnostic indicator, and the logarithmic time scale enables long-term overview of patient results. The suggested format i s expected to promote effective transfer of test result information between laboratories, clinicians and hospitals.