Welcome to the Interpretive Guide. This Guide provides information relating to test selection, utilization, and interpretation. The Guide is continually updated by adding new information and modifying posted information. All information is based on peer-reviewed publications, practice guidelines, or other reputable sources and is intended to be without promotional considerations.

Reference ranges are provided for your convenience and are based on Quest Diagnostics data or published references (where cited). These ranges can serve as a guideline; however, interpretation of patient results should be based on the ranges provided in the patient report.

Included in the Interpretive Guide are four types of information:

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Test highlights and summaries provide a review of clinical use and background, methodology, specimen requirements, and interpretation of the test.

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Test guides provide testing algorithms or other information that assists in appropriate test selection.

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Technology guides compare multiple technologies provided for the same or similar analytes.

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What's New

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The Bacterial Vaginosis DNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR test helps to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV) by quantitating alterations in bacterial flora that are associated with BV. A more expansive panel, SureSwab™ Vaginosis/Vaginitis Plus, includes this test as well as tests for sexually-transmitted infections (ie. Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis) and Candida spp.

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The Laboratory Testing for Diabetes Diagnosis and Management Test Guide discusses the use and interpretation of laboratory tests for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring glycemic control.

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The c-KIT Mutations with Reflex to PDGFRA Mutations for GIST detects mutations that determine the likelihood of response to imatinib therapy in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

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The Recurrent Miscarriage Evaluation/Coagulation Panel identifies acquired and inherited thrombophilia-related causes of recurrent miscarriage.