Unit-independent reporting of laboratory test results

A variety of laboratory measurement units, assay systems, and reference values are presently being used in different clinical environments. There is therefore a challenge in provision of tools for presentation of laboratory data in harmonized forms that reduce the information load and reinforce clinical perception of test results. This paper describes the use of standard deviation (SD) units and logarithmic time graphical displays to improve presentation 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 is expected to promote effective transfer of test result information between laboratories, clinicians and hospitals.