Why Tracking Lab Results Over Time Matters More Than Single Tests

Most people treat lab results as one-time events. You get tested, check if everything is “in range,” and move on.

But here’s what that approach misses: context.

The Snapshot Problem

A single lab result tells you where you are right now. It doesn’t tell you:

• Where you were six months ago
• Whether you’re trending up or down
• If a “normal” result is actually normal for you

Why Trends Matter

Consider this scenario: Your fasting glucose is 99 mg/dL. Technically in the normal range.

But what if:

• Last year it was 85 mg/dL
• The year before, 78 mg/dL

That upward trend is information a single test can’t provide. It might prompt earlier intervention, before you hit the “abnormal” threshold.

Personal Baselines

Reference ranges are population averages. Your personal baseline might be different.

If your hemoglobin has always been around 14 g/dL and suddenly drops to 12 g/dL (still “normal”), that’s worth investigating—even though both values fall within standard ranges.

The Practical Challenge

Tracking results over time is harder than it sounds:

• Results scattered across different portals
• Different labs, different formats
• PDFs buried in email folders

This is the problem we built LabsVault to solve. One place for all your results. Automatic standardization. Clear trends.

Your health story, finally organized.