Anyone in Canada using Life Labs for blood work?

[Ardoc]

I just received blood work results from Life Labs showing the range for free T has changed dramatically.
it shows the range as 179 - 475 pmol/l my result is 591
previous results had @ 25 - 80 pmol/l my result was 79

it seems odd the the range would change like that? I triple checked and the units (pmol/l) has NOT changed.

i have booked an appointment through Discounted Labs for September when I am in the USA but this does not seem correct.

I will be discussing with my doc soon but any insight or input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CoastWatcher]

Having seen Life Labs, and their pre-merger identity, CML, gyrate the free testosterone values for over a year,, I simply don't draw blood with them. I am in the States regularly and monitor my TRT through DiscountedLabs.com (as you are about to do). If I ask her, my doctor will arrange a blood draw at the hospital.

Free testosterone values are notoriously hard to quantify and report. A lot of literature exists on the challenges faced in obtaining and evaluating levels.

 

[Ardoc]

Thanks for the reply CW. I have so far only booked the special from Discounted Labs that was recently offered here ($139) I was just trying to get a sensitive E2 but am now glad it also has Free T as well.
In your opinion should I be sceptical of the accuracy of all results with LL? Or is this a unique one because of the difficult nature of the test as you describe?

 

[CoastWatcher]

Thanks for the reply CW. I have so far only booked the special from Discounted Labs that was recently offered here ($139) I was just trying to get a sensitive E2 but am now glad it also has Free T as well.
In your opinion should I be sceptical of the accuracy of all results with LL? Or is this a unique one because of the difficult nature of the test as you describe?

My other TRT-related values from LL match well with the US draws. No issues there. Don't be surprised if your doctor is confused when you present the issues for discussion.

 

[crazycanuck]

With Life Labs I have found out that they will use age based ranges as well as regional ranges (look up BC Life Labs and compare it to the Ontario ranges). I suspect that it has to do with OHIP and what they are willing to set values at as a means of limiting expenses for treatment and subsequent medication.

 

[madman]

I just received blood work results from Life Labs showing the range for free T has changed dramatically.
it shows the range as 179 - 475 pmol/l my result is 591
previous results had @ 25 - 80 pmol/l my result was 79

it seems odd the the range would change like that? I triple checked and the units (pmol/l) has NOT changed.


LIFE LABS previous ANALOG ELISA METHOD range was 25-80 pmol/L and they changed over to the cFT ( CALCULATED FREE T ) using the VERMEULEN METHOD EQUATION. cFT range is 196-636 pmol/L for AGE RANGE of 18-49 years old my result was 225 ( borderline low ), units is the same just different ranges for different methods of testing. I live in STEEL TOWN,,,,,,,,, Hamilton, Ontario!

range of 179-475 pmol/L is for age range >50 years old