Diagnostic interpretation: Do your test results mean what you think they mean?

In certain situations, diagnostic testing can play an integral role in beef and dairy operations through accurate diagnosis of disease and reduction of disease transmission risk. The qual­ity and applicability of diagnostic results are dependent on the submission of proper samples and appropriate interpretation of what test results mean, along with an understanding of what test results do not mean, within the overall context of the situ­ation. Clinical observations and gross necropsy findings are critical to efficient and accurate diagnostic testing.