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MyChart Lab Results: How to Read Lab Values, Ranges & Flags

Seeing laboratory results in MyChart can make it easier to keep track of your health information, but lab reports often contain numbers, abbreviations, units, reference ranges, and flags that can be difficult to understand.

MyChart allows patients at participating healthcare organizations to view available laboratory and test results through their patient portal. Depending on the healthcare organization and the type of test, a result may include the reported value, standard or reference ranges, comments, and other information. Some supported results can also be compared over time or downloaded.

This guide explains how to read common information found in MyChart lab results and what terms such as normal, abnormal, high, low, positive, negative, pending, and reference range generally mean.

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 Lab Results?

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

Laboratory testing can be used to examine different aspects of health. Depending on the reason for testing, your results might include information from:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Microbiology testing
  • Hormone testing
  • Metabolic testing
  • Hematology testing
  • Cholesterol and lipid testing
  • Thyroid testing
  • Other laboratory investigations

The exact tests available in your MyChart account depend on what was ordered, where the testing was performed, and how your healthcare organization releases results through its patient portal.

Where Can You Find Lab Results in MyChart?

The exact appearance of MyChart can vary between healthcare organizations.

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

Official MyChart guidance states that patients can view lab and test results as they become available, along with standard ranges and provider comments where provided.

If you do not see a result, it does not necessarily mean that the test was not performed. The result could still be processing, may not have been released yet, or may be available elsewhere in your record.

What Information Is Included in a MyChart Lab Result?

A laboratory result can contain several different pieces of information.

Depending on the test, you may see:

  • Test name
  • Result
  • Units
  • Reference range
  • High or low indicator
  • Abnormal flag
  • Positive or negative result
  • Collection date
  • Result date
  • Laboratory comments
  • Result status
  • Previous results or trends

Not every laboratory test displays all of these fields.

When reading a result, consider the entire report rather than focusing only on a number highlighted in the MyChart interface.

How to Read a MyChart Lab Result

A simple way to approach a laboratory result is to work through the information in order.

1. Identify the Laboratory Test

Start with the exact name of the test.

A test name tells you what was measured or examined. Similar-looking abbreviations can refer to very different tests, so avoid interpreting a value before identifying the test.

For example, a result may relate to a blood count, glucose measurement, thyroid test, cholesterol measurement, or another laboratory investigation.

2. Look at the Result

Next, identify the reported result.

Some laboratory tests produce numerical values, while others use words or categories.

Examples can include:

  • A numerical value
  • Positive
  • Negative
  • Detected
  • Not detected
  • Present
  • Absent
  • Normal
  • Abnormal

The meaning depends on the particular test.

3. Check the Units:

Numerical laboratory results are usually reported with measurement units.

Examples include:

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

The unit matters because the same numerical value can have completely different meanings when expressed in different units.

When comparing results from different reports, always check the units first

4. Check the Reference Range

A reference range provides context for a laboratory value.

For example:

Result: 95 mg/dL
Reference range: 70–100 mg/dL

The meaning of a laboratory value depends on the particular test, laboratory method, units, and individual circumstances.

The reference range displayed alongside your own result is generally more relevant than a range copied from another website or laboratory report.

5. Check for Flags

MyChart may use labels or visual indicators to draw attention to results that fall outside the displayed reference range.

You may see terms such as:

  • High
  • Low
  • Abnormal
  • Above range
  • Below range

These flags provide information about how the result compares with the laboratory’s criteria. They are not diagnoses by themselves.

6. Read Laboratory or Provider Comments

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

These comments can provide additional information that cannot be understood from the number alone.

If a comment is included, read it together with the result, units, and reference range.

What Is a Reference Range?

A reference range is a range of values used by a laboratory to provide context for a particular test.

Reference ranges are not necessarily identical everywhere.

They can differ because of factors such as:

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

For this reason, use the reference range shown with your own laboratory result whenever possible.

What Does "Normal" Mean on a Lab Result?

A result described as normal generally means that it falls within the reference criteria used for that particular test.

However, a result being within a reference range does not mean that every aspect of a person’s health is normal.

Laboratory testing is only one part of understanding health. Healthcare professionals may consider symptoms, medical history, medications, examination findings, and other test results.

What Does "Abnormal" Mean on a MyChart Lab Result?

An abnormal flag generally indicates that a laboratory value falls outside the reference range or criteria used for that test.

An abnormal flag does not automatically mean that a disease is present.

The significance of an abnormal result depends on:

  • Which test was performed
  • How far the result is from the reference range
  • Why the test was ordered
  • Other laboratory results
  • Symptoms
  • Medical history
  • Medications
  • Other clinical information

If an abnormal result concerns you, discuss it with the healthcare professional responsible for your care.

What Does "High" Mean on a Lab Result?

A high result generally means that the reported numerical value is above the reference range shown for that test.

A high value can have many possible explanations, depending on the test.

The word high alone does not explain why the value is elevated or whether it is clinically important.

Look at the complete result and discuss unexpected findings with an appropriate healthcare professional.

What Does "Low" Mean on a Lab Result?

A low result generally means that the reported value is below the reference range shown for that test.

Like a high result, a low value can have different meanings depending on the specific test and the person’s circumstances.

Do not interpret the word low by itself.

Consider the test name, units, reference range, reason for testing, and other relevant information.

What Does "Positive" Mean on a Lab Test?

A positive result does not have one universal meaning for every laboratory test.

For some tests, positive means that the test detected the substance, marker, organism, antibody, genetic feature, or other characteristic the test was designed to identify.

The interpretation depends on the specific test.

If you receive a positive result and are unsure what it means, identify the test first and discuss the result with your healthcare professional.

What Does "Negative" Mean on a Lab Test?

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 condition.

Interpretation can depend on factors such as:

  • The type of test
  • Timing
  • Sample quality
  • Testing method
  • Reason for testing
  • Other clinical information

What Does "Pending" Mean in MyChart Lab Results?

A pending result generally means that the laboratory process has not yet been completed or the final result has not yet been released.

Some laboratory tests take longer to process than others.

If several tests were ordered at the same time, some results may appear before others.

A pending status does not automatically mean that there is a problem with the test.

If a result remains pending longer than expected, contact the healthcare organization that ordered or performed 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 status terminology can vary between tests and healthcare organizations.

In some circumstances, information that initially appears may later be finalized, corrected, or supplemented with additional information.

Why Is My Lab Result Highlighted?

A MyChart interface may visually highlight a laboratory result when it falls outside the reference range or has another status that the system wants to draw attention to.

A highlighted result should not automatically be treated as an emergency.

Instead, review:

  1. The test name
  2. The result
  3. The units
  4. The reference range
  5. The flag
  6. The test date
  7. Any laboratory or provider comments

If you are concerned about the result, contact your healthcare professional for appropriate interpretation.

Why Do My Lab Reference Ranges Differ From Information Online?

It is common to find different reference ranges for the same type of laboratory test.

This can happen because laboratories may use different:

  • Testing methods
  • Instruments
  • Measurement systems
  • Units
  • Reference populations
  • Laboratory criteria

Therefore, avoid automatically applying a reference range from a general health website to your own result.

When reading a MyChart laboratory result, start with the reference range shown with that specific report.

Can MyChart Lab Results Change?

Some results may be updated, corrected, finalized, or supplemented with additional information.

For example, a laboratory result may initially appear while processing is still underway. Additional information can become available later.

If a result changes, review the most recent information and contact your healthcare organization if you are unsure why the result was updated.

Can You Compare Lab Results Over Time?

For supported results, MyChart provides tools that can allow patients to compare results over time.

Official MyChart guidance describes a Compare result trends option and an option to download a PDF of results over time.

Looking at results from multiple dates can provide useful context.

However, a trend should not be interpreted without considering what was happening at the time each test was performed.

Changes may be associated with factors such as:

  • Changes in health
  • Medications
  • Treatment
  • Timing
  • Temporary circumstances
  • Different testing methods
  • Other clinical factors

A trend is information that can be discussed with your healthcare professional; it is not a diagnosis by itself.

Why Can the Same Lab Value Be Different on Different Dates?

Laboratory values can change over time for many reasons.

Depending on the test, possible factors can include:

  • Normal biological variation
  • Changes in health
  • Medications
  • Treatment
  • Diet or activity
  • Hydration
  • Timing of testing
  • Laboratory methods
  • Temporary illness or other circumstances

The importance of a change depends on the particular laboratory test and the individual’s circumstances.

What Does a Lab Result Mean for Your Health?

A laboratory result is one piece of health information.

A healthcare professional may interpret it alongside:

  • Symptoms
  • Medical history
  • Medications
  • Physical examination
  • Previous results
  • Other laboratory tests
  • Imaging or diagnostic information
  • The reason the test was ordered

This is why it is generally not appropriate to diagnose a health condition from a single laboratory value.

What If My MyChart Lab Result Is Missing?

There are several possible reasons why a laboratory result may not appear in your account.

For example:

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

If you expected a result and cannot find it, contact the healthcare organization that ordered or performed the test.

What If My Lab Result Looks Incorrect?

If a result appears incorrect, do not try to change the information yourself.

First check:

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

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

Official MyChart guidance states that information displayed in MyChart comes from the medical record maintained by the provider’s office and that patients can contact their provider or medical records department when information needs correction.

Can You Download MyChart Lab Results?

For supported results, MyChart provides functionality for downloading certain result information.

Official MyChart instructions explain that patients can go to Test Results, select a result, choose Compare result trends, and then select Download to save a PDF of results over time.

The exact options available can vary depending on the result and healthcare organization.

Can MyChart Lab Results Be Shared?

MyChart supports different ways of accessing and sharing health information, depending on the services enabled by your healthcare organization.

Epic’s current patient information also describes sharing certain health information, including laboratory results, with supported third-party apps when the patient authorizes the connection.

Before sharing health information, check:

  • Who will receive it
  • What information you are sharing
  • How it will be used
  • Whether the recipient is correct
  • The privacy information for any third-party application

How Should You Use MyChart Lab Results?

A useful way to approach your laboratory results is to use MyChart as a tool for accessing and organizing health information, not as a replacement for professional medical interpretation.

When reviewing a lab result:

  1. Identify the test.
  2. Read the reported value.
  3. Check the units.
  4. Review the reference range.
  5. Look for high, low, or abnormal flags.
  6. Read laboratory or provider comments.
  7. Compare previous results when appropriate.
  8. Consider why the test was ordered.
  9. Ask your healthcare professional about anything you do not understand.

When Should You Ask a Healthcare Professional About a Lab Result?

Consider contacting your healthcare professional if:

  1. You do not understand a result.
  2. A result is unexpectedly high or low.
  3. A result is marked abnormal and concerns you.
  4. You receive an unexpected positive or negative result.
  5. A result appears inconsistent with information you were previously given.
  6. You believe information in your record may be incorrect.
  7. A result has remained pending longer than expected.
  8. You have symptoms or concerns that are not explained by your results.

If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek appropriate medical care rather than waiting for a MyChart result or message.

MyChart Lab Results vs. MyHealthChart

These names refer to different things.

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

MyHealthChart is an independent health education website.

MyHealthChart does not:

  • Provide MyChart accounts
  • Provide MyChart passwords
  • Provide MyChart login services
  • Access your personal MyChart account
  • Access your private medical records
  • Diagnose your laboratory results
  • Replace communication with your healthcare professional

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

Frequently Asked Questions About MyChart Lab Results

How do I see my lab results on MyChart?

If your healthcare organization makes laboratory results available through MyChart, you can generally find them in the Test Results section of your account. The exact interface can vary between organizations.

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 a disease is present.

A high result generally means that the reported value is above the reference range shown for that test. Its significance depends on the specific test and your overall health information.

A low result generally means that the reported value is below the reference range shown for that test. A healthcare professional can help determine what the finding means in context.

Different laboratories may use different testing methods, equipment, populations, units, and criteria. Use the reference range displayed with your own result whenever possible.

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

For supported results, MyChart provides tools for comparing result trends over time.

For supported results, MyChart provides an option to download certain results over time as a PDF.

Yes. Some results may be updated, corrected, finalized, or supplemented with additional information.

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

Related MyChart Guides

MyChart Guide:

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

MyChart Test Results:

Learn how to read and understand medical test results, including abnormal flags, reference ranges, and result statuses.

Understanding Medical Test Results:

Explore general information about reading 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 provided 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 laboratory result means for you.

Laboratory results should be interpreted in the context of your health history, symptoms, medications, examination findings, other test results, and the reason the test was ordered.

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

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