1 Answer

Yes, but within gradients. For example, a "chem seven" answers some things, like potassium levels, but will not answer other things. "Chem 14" and "Chem 21" are the most conclusive, but cost more money and time to do. They also provide a lot more information, that may or may not be needed. Additionally, those results are given in ranges of normal or abnormal and vary depending on the individual. So what might be normal for one person would be abnormally high for another, or vice versa. You best bet is to make sure you keep copies of all lab results and bring them with you to any new doctor you visit so he or she can see how you trend over time. That way, if something suddenly spikes, he can order the correct follow-up test to correspond with that spike.