Interpreting the clinical laboratory.

The use of clinical laboratory (blood and other body specimens) in the general practice of dentistry is often limited because of a lack of education and training in the area. These aspects of a patient's condition can provide valuable information for diagnosis, appropriate management techniques and proper treatment. This paper will review a few of the most significant laboratory tests and discuss when to use each test and what an appropriate interpretation should be. Some management recommendations will be made. It is anticipated that this paper will be used as a ready reference for the oral health care practitioner.