Final answer:
Lab results guide healthcare professionals by indicating potential diseases and imbalances in the body, such as gallbladder disease, pancreatic inflammation, infection, and metabolic or respiratory conditions, which allow for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lab test results provide vital information to the healthcare team regarding a patient's condition. For instance, liver function tests (LFTs) can indicate diseases such as gallbladder issues, while elevated amylase or lipase levels can point to pancreatic inflammation. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) can reveal different types of blood cells, with a high white blood cell count suggesting an infection. Tests like pH, CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), and HCO3 can diagnose conditions like acidosis or alkalosis and determine if they are respiratory or metabolic in nature.
In the case of N. meningitidis, specific metabolic pathways can be understood through blood tests, and decisions may be made to utilize biochemical tests over DNA testing for identification. The most common blood tests like those for lipid or glucose levels help determine substance quantities within blood. Lastly, ultrasound is critical for imaging organs and aiding in the diagnosis of intra-abdominal issues such as gallbladder disease.