Are nurses or chemists, rather than doctors, allowed to interpret test results?

[jennifer_bloom]

Today we got a phone call telling us the test they performed proved the tumour was benign and there was nothing to worry about, and the person had a very heavy accent, and I think less than 40% of phone callers would be able to interpret what he was trying to say, but I understand that qualified professionals are not always fluent in English or word adapted in the national language.

[Nuclear_Warhead]

I imagine that some doctors have degrees in chemistry, and some email chemists when they need help, and some must by rule formally let the chemist do his part.

[xawyx-3]

I don't think so, only doctors are qualified for that.

[xawyx-3]

Thank you for MHO

[purplepoppy]

Tricky one. Pretty much any one can report the lab results as they stand but interpreting them is best left to the doctor.

People mistakingly believe these tests are 100% accurate positive or negative, but many only have a low level of sensitivity. Others can be too sensitive and pick up pathogens at levels too low to worry about. Some are notorious for giving false positives or negative. And don't forget errors happen in labs, people misread a slide, one of the machines or reagents doesn't work.

Your doctor knows your medical history and the limitations and problems with these tests. He's the one who looks at the numbers and says he's happy to accept them or ask for more tests.