What should significant laboratory data be stated as?

Significant laboratory data should be stated as abnormal findings because these findings indicate deviations from the expected normal values, which can be critical for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Highlighting abnormal results draws attention to potential health concerns that require further investigation or intervention. This approach is fundamental in clinical practice as it guides healthcare providers in understanding a patient’s condition and planning appropriate care.

The focus on abnormal findings reinforces the importance of monitoring and identifying variations that could indicate an underlying issue. Normal results, while essential, do not carry the same weight in prompting clinical action. Unrelated values may not pertain to the patient's condition at all, and statistical data is often broader and more abstract than individual lab results.