I risultati dei miei esami sono normali? : considerazioni su intervalli di riferimento e livelli decisionali

In this editorial, we look at the topic of reference intervals from the point of view of the patient or the clinician, discussing differences between the concept of reference intervals (a biological characteristic of a well defined population) and the various types of decision limits. Decision limits can be defined in different ways, e.g. based on Bayesian approach, on pathophysiological studies or on clinical experience (i.e. by consensus), but always they differ from reference intervals, because, while the latter deal with biology, decision limits are related to some kind of clinical decision and defined behaviour by clinicians.