Which of the following best explains why the phrase reference interval is preferred over the phase normal interval when associated with clinical laboratory test results?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The word normal has several different meanings in laboratory medicine that can cause confusion.One use is associated with a Gaussian, or "normal," distribution.Additionally, the word normal is frequently associated with the interval of laboratory results suggesting health.The confusion with this use of normal is that intervals of laboratory results are also established for disease, or stages of disease.("Normal interval for disease" seems contradictory.) Other meanings of normal include common, frequent, usual, and typical, all of which may be used in referring to laboratory test results.Thus for clarity, the phrase reference interval should be used in defining laboratory intervals for health or disease (i.e., "reference interval for health" or "reference interval for disease").

Which of the Following Best Explains Why the Phrase Reference