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MyChart Test Results: How to Read and Understand Your Results

Seeing a medical test result appear in MyChart can be helpful, but the numbers and labels may not always be easy to understand. A result may be marked as normal, abnormal, high, low, positive, negative, or pending, and different tests use different units and reference ranges.

MyChart allows patients at participating healthcare organizations to view available laboratory and test results through their patient portal. Depending on the organization and the type of test, results may also include reference ranges, comments from a healthcare professional, notifications, and options for viewing results over time.

This guide explains the common information you may see with a MyChart test result and how to approach it without jumping to conclusions from a single number.

Important: MyHealthChart is an independent health education website. It is not the official MyChart service and is not affiliated with or operated by Epic. MyHealthChart does not access, store, or interpret your personal MyChart account or medical records.

What Are MyChart Test Results?

MyChart test results are medical test or laboratory results that your healthcare organization makes available through your patient portal.

Depending on the healthcare organization and the tests you have received, your results may include information from:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Microbiology tests
  • Pathology tests
  • Imaging or diagnostic examinations
  • Other laboratory or clinical tests.

The information available in your account depends on the healthcare organization, the tests performed, and the way that organization releases results through MyChart.

MyChart’s official help information states that users can view lab and test results as they become available, along with standard ranges and provider comments where provided.

Where Can You Find Test Results in MyChart?

The exact layout can vary between organizations and versions of MyChart.

In general, available results can be found through the Test Results area of your MyChart account.

The official MyChart help documentation currently describes viewing lab and test results through the Test Results section. It also notes that users may receive notifications about newly available results depending on their communication preferences.

If you cannot find a result, don’t assume that it was never completed. It may still be processing, may not have been released yet, or may be available through a different part of your record.

What Information Appears With a MyChart Test Result?

A test result can contain several pieces of information.

  • Test name
  • Date of the test
  • Result value
  • Measurement units
  • Reference range
  • High or low indicator
  • Abnormal indicator
  • Positive or negative result
  • Provider or laboratory comments
  • Status such as pending or final
  • Previous results or trends.

Not every test displays every type of information.

The most useful approach is to read the entire result rather than focusing only on a highlighted number.

How to Read a MyChart Test Result

When you open a result, start with the basics.

1. Identify the Test

First, determine exactly what test was performed.

For example, a report might contain a specific blood test, urine test, screening test, or another laboratory investigation.

Knowing the test name is important because every test measures something different.

2. Look at the Result

Next, identify the reported value or finding.

Some tests produce a numerical value, while others may use words or categories such as:

  • Positive
  • Negative
  • Detected
  • Not detected
  • Present
  • Absent
  • Normal
  • Abnormal

The meaning depends on the specific test.

3. Check the Units

Numerical results are often reported with units.

For example, a laboratory result might use units such as:

  • mg/dL
  • g/dL
  • mmol/L
  • mEq/L
  • U/L

Do not compare a number from one laboratory report with another without checking the units and testing method.

4. Check the Reference Range

If a reference range is displayed, read the range alongside your result.

For example:

Result: 95
Reference range: 70–100

The interpretation depends on the particular test, laboratory, units, and clinical context.

Reference ranges can vary between laboratories, so the range displayed with your own report is generally more useful than a range copied from an unrelated website.

5. Read Any Comments

Some results may include comments from the laboratory or healthcare professional.

These comments can provide important context that a number alone cannot provide.

If a comment accompanies your result, read it before drawing conclusions.

What Does "Normal" Mean in MyChart?

A result marked normal generally means that the reported finding falls within the reference criteria used for that particular test.

However, “normal” does not necessarily mean that every aspect of your health is normal.

Laboratory tests are only one part of evaluating health. Healthcare professionals may consider symptoms, medical history, medications, physical examination findings, and other tests when interpreting results.

What Does "Abnormal" Mean in MyChart?

An abnormal flag generally means that the result falls outside the reference range or expected criteria associated with that test.

An abnormal result does not automatically mean that you have a disease or that something is seriously wrong.

There can be many reasons why a result falls outside a reference range.

The appropriate interpretation depends on the test and the individual circumstances.

If an abnormal result concerns you, discuss it with the healthcare professional who ordered the test or manages your care.

What Does "High" or "Low" Mean?

Some MyChart results may be marked high or low when a numerical value falls outside the displayed reference range.

For example, a laboratory system might identify a value as:

  • High
  • Low
  • Above range
  • Below range

These labels are useful signals, but they are not diagnoses.

A healthcare professional may need to consider the size of the difference, the reason the test was ordered, your medical history, symptoms, medications, and other results.

What Does a Positive Result Mean?

Positive” does not have one universal meaning for every medical test.

For some tests, a positive result means that the test detected the substance, marker, infection, antibody, genetic change, or other feature the test was designed to identify.

The exact interpretation depends on the specific test.

If you see a positive result and are unsure what it means, look at the name of the test and any accompanying comments, then discuss the result with an appropriate healthcare professional.

What Does a Negative Result Mean?

A negative result generally means that the test did not detect what it was designed to detect according to the test’s criteria.

However, a negative result does not necessarily rule out every possible health condition.

The meaning of a negative result depends on the test, timing, sample, method, and reason the test was performed.

What Does "Pending" Mean in MyChart?

A pending result generally means that the test has not yet reached a final status or has not yet been released as a completed result.

Some tests can take longer to process than others.

If several tests were ordered together, you may receive some results before others.

A pending result does not necessarily indicate a problem.

If a result remains pending longer than expected, contact the healthcare organization that performed or ordered the test.

What Does "Final" Mean?

A final result generally indicates that the laboratory or healthcare organization has completed and released the result.

The exact terminology can vary depending on the test and organization.

If a preliminary result was previously available, a final result may provide updated or additional information.

Why Is My MyChart Test Result Highlighted?

Some MyChart interfaces use visual indicators to draw attention to results that may be outside a reference range or require review.

A highlighted or flagged result should not automatically be interpreted as an emergency.

Instead, review:

  1. The test name
  2. The result
  3. The units
  4. The reference range
  5. Any comments
  6. The date of testing
  7. Other relevant information in your record.

If you’re concerned about a result, contact your healthcare provider rather than relying on the visual flag alone.

Can MyChart Test Results Change?

Results can sometimes be updated, corrected, finalized, or supplemented with additional information.

A result may initially appear while additional laboratory processing is still underway. In other situations, a laboratory or healthcare organization may correct information or add a comment.

If you notice that a result has changed, use the most recent information available and contact your healthcare organization if you need clarification.

Can You Compare MyChart Results Over Time?

Depending on the test and the MyChart features enabled by your healthcare organization, you may be able to compare results from different dates.

MyChart’s official help documentation describes a Compare result trends option for supported results and provides an option to download a PDF of results over time.

Looking at results over time can provide useful context, but trends should still be interpreted alongside your overall health and the circumstances surrounding each test.

For example, a change in a value may be related to:

  • A change in health
  • Medication
  • Treatment
  • Timing of the test
  • Different laboratory methods
  • Temporary circumstances
  • Other clinical factors

A trend is information to discuss with your healthcare professional, not a diagnosis by itself.

Why Can Reference Ranges Be Different?

Reference ranges can differ between laboratories and testing methods.

Factors that can contribute to differences include:

  • Laboratory methods
  • Testing equipment
  • Measurement techniques
  • Reference populations
  • Units
  • Laboratory-specific criteria

For this reason, use the reference range displayed alongside your own result whenever possible.

Avoid deciding that a result is abnormal simply because it falls outside a range found on another website.

Does One Abnormal Result Mean Something Is Wrong?

Not necessarily.

A result outside a reference range can occur for many reasons, and the significance depends on the specific test and the individual.

Healthcare professionals may interpret the result alongside:

  • Symptoms
  • Medical history
  • Age
  • Medications
  • Other laboratory results
  • Physical examination
  • Reason for testing
  • Previous results

This is why a single number should not be treated as a diagnosis.

Why Are Some MyChart Results Available Before My Doctor Talks to Me?

Healthcare organizations may make results available through MyChart as they become available.

The timing of communication with your healthcare professional can vary.

This means you may sometimes see a result before you have discussed it with your doctor or another healthcare professional.

If you see a result that concerns you, don’t rely on the result page alone to determine what it means.

What If My Test Result Is Missing?

There are several possible reasons why a test result may not appear in MyChart.

For example:

  • The result is still processing.
  • The healthcare organization has not released it yet.
  • The test was performed by another organization.
  • The result is located in another section of your record.
  • That particular type of result is not available through your organization’s MyChart configuration.
  • There may be a delay between the laboratory system and the patient portal.

If you believe a result should be available but cannot find it, contact the healthcare organization that ordered or performed the test.

What If My Test Result Looks Wrong?

If a result appears incorrect, do not attempt to change or interpret the result yourself.

Check the:

  • Test name
  • Date
  • Result
  • Units
  • Reference range
  • Comments

If something still appears inconsistent, contact the healthcare organization or healthcare professional responsible for the test.

They can determine whether the information is correct and explain what the result means in your situation.

How Soon Do MyChart Test Results Appear?

There is no single time period that applies to every test.

Timing can depend on:

  • The type of test
  • The laboratory
  • Processing requirements
  • Whether additional analysis is required
  • The healthcare organization’s result-release policies

Some results may appear relatively quickly, while others may take longer.

The official MyChart help information explains that users can view lab and test results as they become available.

If you’re waiting for an expected result, contact the healthcare organization that ordered the test for the most accurate information about timing.

Can You Download MyChart Test Results?

For supported results, MyChart provides options to download certain test-result information.

The official MyChart help documentation describes downloading a PDF of results over time by opening Test Results, selecting a result, choosing Compare result trends, and then selecting the download option.

Available options can vary by organization and result type.

Can MyChart Test Results Be Shared?

Some MyChart features allow users to access, download, or share health information, depending on the healthcare organization’s configuration and the type of information involved.

If you need a copy of a medical result for another healthcare professional, school, employer, insurance provider, or another purpose, check the sharing and record-access options provided by your healthcare organization.

Before sharing health information, make sure you are sending it to the correct person or organization.

How Should You Use MyChart Test Results?

A useful approach is to treat MyChart as a way to access and organize your health information, rather than as a replacement for professional medical interpretation.

When reviewing a result:

  1. Read the complete report.
  2. Identify the test.
  3. Check the result and units.
  4. Review the reference range.
  5. Read any comments.
  6. Compare with previous results when appropriate.
  7. Consider the reason the test was ordered.
  8. Ask your healthcare professional about anything you do not understand.

When Should You Talk to a Healthcare Professional?

Consider contacting your healthcare professional if:

  • You don’t understand a result.
  • A result is marked abnormal and you are concerned.
  • A result is unexpectedly positive or negative.
  • A result conflicts with information you were previously given.
  • A result appears incorrect.
  • You are waiting for a result that seems overdue.
  • You have questions about what a result means for your health.
  • You have symptoms that concern you, regardless of what your portal shows.

For urgent or severe symptoms, seek appropriate medical care rather than waiting for a MyChart message or test result.

MyChart Test Results vs. MyHealthChart

These names refer to different things.

MyChart is a patient portal associated with Epic and participating healthcare organizations. It can provide access to test results and other health information.

MyHealthChart is an independent health education website.

MyHealthChart does not access your personal MyChart account, provide MyChart login services, or interpret your individual medical results.

Our goal is to provide general educational information that can help readers understand common health and medical terminology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I see my test results on MyChart?

If your healthcare organization makes your results available through MyChart, they can generally be accessed through the Test Results section of your account. The exact layout can vary by organization.

An abnormal result generally means that the reported value falls outside the reference range or criteria associated with that test. It does not automatically mean that you have a disease.

 A result may be pending because testing or processing has not been completed or the final result has not yet been released.

For supported results, MyChart may provide tools to compare result trends over time.

Reference ranges provide context for interpreting a laboratory value. Because ranges can vary between laboratories and methods, use the range shown with your own result.

Some supported results can be downloaded, including options to download result information over time. The available functionality depends on the organization and result type.

Healthcare organizations can make results available through MyChart as they become available. The timing of follow-up communication with your healthcare professional can vary.

No. MyHealthChart provides general health education and does not access or interpret individual patient records.

Related MyChart Guides

MyChart Guide

Learn what MyChart is, how the patient portal works, and what types of health information may be available.

MyChart Lab Results

Learn more about laboratory values, reference ranges, abnormal flags, and common lab-report terminology.

Understanding Medical Test Results

Explore general information about reading and understanding common medical test reports.

Understanding Health Records

Learn about common information that may appear in an electronic health record.

Medical Information Disclaimer

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

MyHealthChart does not access your personal MyChart account or medical records and cannot determine what an individual test result means for you.

Medical test results should be interpreted in the context of your health history, symptoms, medications, examination findings, and other relevant information.

If you have questions about your personal results, contact the healthcare professional or healthcare organization responsible for your care.

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