Important Concepts in Quality Control: Reference Ranges

Reference Ranges

  • Reference ranges can help show when a test result is drastically out-of-line with expectations by providing a range of most likely values for any given analyte.
  • Reference ranges should reflect the mean value in the population and a certain level of variation (usually 2 standard deviations).
  • 95% of all normal patients will fall inside the reference range of an analyte. Values outside the reference ranges could indicate not only an abnormality in the patient, but also a problem with the test results.
  • For example, should 20% of results suddenly begin to exceed a given reference range, there is most likely an testing error.

Meet OSHA laboratory safety and compliance requirements with over 40 online courses for clinical laboratories. Learn more.

Quality Control course details »

Learn more about laboratory continuing education for ASCP, AMT, NCA, and state renewal and recertification requirements »

Get information on OSHA laboratory safety courses for clinical and medical laboratories »