One size does not fit all: interpreting laboratory data in pediatric patients

Results of laboratory tests for kidney stone risk factors are reported based on adult reference ranges and are not readily interpretable in children. We have developed a solution which converts laboratory output to appropriate pediatric patient-adjusted relative units, compares results using age-specific reference ranges, and flags out-of-range values. The example presented demonstrates how clinicians with technical skills can use existing computer resources to develop effective solutions to problems they experience in clinical practice.