What does it mean when test results say please corelate clinically?

The term "please correlate clinically" is sometimes included on laboratory test reports to indicate that the laboratory results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical information and symptoms. This is particularly relevant in situations where the test results may be ambiguous or have multiple possible interpretations, and it serves as a reminder to the healthcare provider that the results should not be considered in isolation but should be integrated with other clinical data to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan for the patient.

Here's an example to illustrate this:

A patient undergoes a blood test for thyroid function, and the results show slightly elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is a hormone that regulates the production of thyroid hormones, and elevated levels can indicate an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). However, the test report may also include the note "please correlate clinically" to indicate that the healthcare provider should consider other clinical information, such as the patient's symptoms (e.g., fatigue, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles), past medical history, and any relevant physical examination findings, before making a definitive diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

This note serves as a reminder that the test results should not be interpreted solely based on the numerical values, and the context provided by the patient's clinical presentation is essential for accurate interpretation and appropriate clinical decision-making.