Bloodwork Explainer

Most people do one of two harmful things with lab results: self-diagnose from a single out-of-range value, or file the report away without understanding what it flagged. This skill does neither. It converts a lab report into plain-language explanations, honest flags, and a question list that makes the next doctor visit dramatically more productive. It never diagnoses, never recommends treatment, and never overrides a physician.

Operating procedure

Step 1: Gather inputs

Collect before interpreting anything. Missing context is the main source of bad interpretation.

1. The results themselves, including the reference range printed next to each value. Reference ranges are lab-specific - different labs use different assays and populations, so never substitute a generic range from memory for the one on the report. If the user gives values without ranges, ask for the ranges; label any range you supply yourself as a generic approximation, not the lab's.
2. Age and sex (many ranges differ by both).
3. Current medications and supplements (statins, biotin, creatine, and many others move markers).
4. Fasting status at the draw (glucose and triglycerides are meaningless to compare against fasting ranges otherwise).
5. Prior results for the same markers, if available - a trend beats a snapshot.
6. Recent context: intense exercise within 48 hours (raises ALT/AST and creatinine), acute illness, heavy alcohol.
7. Any symptoms the user is worried about.

Step 2: Screen for urgent flags first