Lab Result Guide

READ · CHECK · RECORD

Got your checkup results? Here is what to check next

Read the report’s assessment and recommendations, check units and earlier results, then prepare questions for your visit. Find the matching explanation and a blank record sheet.

Four steps for reading your report

  1. Read the assessment and recommendations

    Check the report’s overall assessment, comments, and advice about follow-up tests or a visit.

    More to check

    Identify whether it is a blood test, urine test, physical measurement or imaging study, and a screening or follow-up test. Follow any urgent instructions from the testing service and ask about the reason and timing.

  2. Keep the value, unit and reference range together

    Use the original value and unit with the reference range printed by that laboratory.

    More to check

    A laboratory reference interval, a diagnostic criterion and a personal treatment goal are different. Use a converter only when units differ; a converted value does not set your treatment goal.

  3. Compare earlier results and testing conditions

    Check that it is the same test, and note the date, laboratory, unit and fasting status.

    More to check

    Collection time, recent exercise or illness, medicines, supplements and pregnancy may matter. Do not automatically label changes between laboratories as better or worse. Keep the original reports and ask your clinician about differences.

  4. Prepare questions for your next visit

    Bring the original and earlier reports, a medicine and supplement list, and your questions.

    More to check

    Ask whether a change matters, whether further checks are needed and when to review it. Print or save a blank sheet to complete yourself. Confirm the need and timing of repeat tests with your clinician.

Choose the result you want to understand

Read the explanation first. Use a tool only when you need a calculation, or go straight to a record sheet.

Need help with test names or report wording?

Read each tool’s input and processing guidance before use. Do not include names, contact details or other identifying information. A word such as “stable” does not by itself mean normal or no follow-up is needed.

Prepare for your visit

Bring the original report and previous results. List medicines, supplements and changed symptoms, then ask: “Does this change matter?” and “What further checks are needed, and when?”

You do not need to submit personal values or a report file to use this hub.

Find a calculator if you need one

Check eligibility, units and input requirements first. You can finish with records and visit preparation without using a calculator.

More about report types and test groups

Which kind of report do you have?

Korea’s national general screening, age-specific additions, cancer screening and a private comprehensive checkup do not contain the same tests. Start with what was actually measured on your report. Confirm current eligibility and the exact program with the National Health Insurance Service or your screening provider.

Find a result by group

Group Terms to look for Main question
Body measures and blood pressure Height, weight, BMI, waist, systolic/diastolic Were measurements taken under comparable conditions?
Glucose Fasting glucose, HbA1c if ordered Was fasting required, and how do the tests differ?
Lipids Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides Was this age-specific test done, and what is the wider risk context?
Liver AST, ALT, GGT Enzyme results do not by themselves define liver function or cause.
Kidney and urine Serum creatinine, eGFR, urine protein; ACR may be separate Which specimen and unit was used, and what changed over time?
Anemia Hemoglobin Hb/Hgb This is different from HbA1c.
Imaging and age-specific tests Chest imaging, hepatitis B, bone density, cancer screening Check eligibility and the formal report. This guide does not read images.

See Korea’s official health screening standard and NHIS for current program details. This table is a way to find terms, not a claim that everyone receives every test.

Use the Korean-English screening report glossary to find a test name.

Frequently asked questions

Does a value outside the reference interval mean disease?

Not necessarily. Method, personal circumstances, related tests and sometimes repeat testing matter. A value within the interval does not settle every concern when symptoms or risk factors are present.

What should I take to a visit?

Bring the original report, previous results, dates and preparation details, medicines and supplements, relevant symptoms and your questions. This site does not need your personal numbers.

Editorial basis and sources

Laboratory ranges and testing conditions are informed by the US National Library of Medicine; visit preparation by MedlinePlus; and radiology report structure by RadiologyInfo. Your own report and clinician take priority. No independent specialist review was performed. Layout and sources checked: October 3, 2026.

Discuss the context of your results with a clinician. The health calculators explain their own scope and limitations.

For dates, conditions, and previous results, use the blank sheets in Health Records and Visit Preparation.