viðmiðunarsvið

viðmiðunarsvið is an Icelandic term that translates to "reference range" in English. It is a set of values that are considered normal or typical for a specific laboratory test or measurement. These ranges are established by analyzing the results from a large, healthy population and are used to interpret an individual's test results.

When a laboratory performs a test, such as a blood test, the results are compared to the established viðmiðunarsvið. If an individual's result falls within this range, it is generally considered normal. If the result falls outside the range, it may indicate a potential health issue, although it is important to note that results outside the reference range do not always signify disease. Factors like age, sex, and even the specific laboratory performing the test can influence the viðmiðunarsvið.

Physicians use viðmiðunarsvið as a tool to help diagnose and monitor conditions. A result that is significantly above or below the reference range might prompt further investigation or testing. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to interpret these ranges in the context of the individual patient's overall health, medical history, and other clinical findings. The concept of a viðmiðunarsvið is fundamental in clinical pathology and diagnostics, providing a standardized benchmark for assessing biological measurements.