One lab value every 6-18 months is not really how data collection works. You need more data to determine trends.
The fact of the matter is that there is currently a reproducibility crisis in science, where the MAJORITY of published outcomes cannot be reproduced by anyone. Some tests are incredibly reproducible (ie - tests for lead concentrations in blood are over 90% reproducible) while others never were (ie - cell size IgG tests).
Before you pat yourself on the back or dread the meaning of a “bad” value, remind yourself that this is just data.
I’ve done a cholesterol panel three times in the same day with three substantially different results. And of course this is what should be. The body is in different states at different times.
The fact of the matter is that there is currently a reproducibility crisis in science, where the MAJORITY of published outcomes cannot be reproduced by anyone. Some tests are incredibly reproducible (ie - tests for lead concentrations in blood are over 90% reproducible) while others never were (ie - cell size IgG tests).
Before you pat yourself on the back or dread the meaning of a “bad” value, remind yourself that this is just data.
I’ve done a cholesterol panel three times in the same day with three substantially different results. And of course this is what should be. The body is in different states at different times.