What Does Flag AA Mean on Lab Results?
Flag AA is a notation that may appear on laboratory test reports to indicate an abnormal result. Specifically, flag AA indicates that the lab test resulted outside of the normal reference range. This flag prompts further investigation to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal finding.
Reference Ranges for Lab Tests
Laboratories establish a reference range for each test they perform, representing the normal expected values. The reference range is the range of test results seen in a healthy population. These values are sometimes called normal ranges because they provide a guideline for interpreting results.
Reference ranges account for factors like age, sex, and ethnicity to provide appropriate standards for comparison. For example, normal lab values differ between men and women for some tests. Reference ranges also vary by lab based on the specific testing methods and equipment used.
When a lab test result comes back outside of the established reference range, it is flagged as abnormal. The common flags used are:
- L - Below the lower limit of the reference range
- H - Above the upper limit of the reference range
- LL - Significantly below the lower limit
- HH - Significantly above the upper limit
- AA - Abnormally abnormal
Meaning of Flag AA
The AA flag indicates that the test result is abnormally abnormal compared to the normal reference range. This signals a significant, concerning deviation from the expected standard.
Flag AA is used when the test result falls well outside of the expected range, often past the LL and HH flags. Exact cutoffs vary by lab. For example, a lab may use AA when the result is over 3 standard deviations outside the mean reference value.
By flagging a result as AA, the lab is communicating that the abnormal value warrants urgent clinical attention and follow-up to determine the cause.
Causes of Flag AA Test Results
There are many possible reasons for getting a lab test reported with flag AA, including:
FAQs
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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