In this solo episode, host Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. takes you inside the world of laboratory medicine and diagnostic testing. Lab results are at the core of nearly every medical decision, yet most people don't fully understand what those numbers mean. Dr. Davis breaks down some of the most common laboratory tests, what they measure, and why results can vary between patients.
She explains the difference between "normal" and "abnormal" ranges, when a slightly high or low number really matters, and how lab tests fit into the bigger picture of diagnosis. From complete blood counts to cholesterol panels, tumor markers to metabolic tests, this episode helps you understand what your labs can reveal—and what they can't.
With her dual perspective as a pathologist and a physician, Dr. Davis also highlights why annual exams remain so vital for catching diseases early, and why patients should always combine lab test results with medical history and clinical context.
Key Topics Covered
• Why "normal" lab ranges don't always tell the full story
• The most common blood tests and how doctors interpret them
• When tumor markers are useful—and when they are not
• Why lab values may differ depending on age, sex, and other factors
• The role of pathologists in diagnosis and treatment
• Annual check-ups and how routine labs can catch disease early
Resources and References
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): https://www.ascp.org
• College of American Pathologists (CAP): https://www.cap.org
• Mayo Clinic: Understanding Lab Test Results – https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures
• NIH MedlinePlus: Understanding Medical Tests – https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests.html
Connect With Us
• Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. (Host)
Website: https://drkeishadavis.komi.io
The Medical Collective: https://themedicalcollective.komi.io
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