What does indication mean on results? A simple guide to understanding your medical tests

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, an 'indication' is a sign, symptom, or medical condition that prompts a recommendation for a treatment, test, or procedure. This means that seeing 'indication' on your results doesn't mean a definitive diagnosis but rather a signpost pointing your healthcare team toward the next best course of action.

Quick Summary

An 'indication' on a test result is the clinical reason or justification behind ordering a specific test or procedure, often based on symptoms, a doctor's suspicion, or previous findings. It is not a final diagnosis but a piece of evidence that helps guide further investigation and inform treatment decisions, requiring professional interpretation in the context of a patient's overall health.

Key Points

Not a Diagnosis: An indication is not a definitive diagnosis but rather a sign pointing toward a potential condition or abnormality that requires further investigation.
Clinical Context: The term 'clinical indication' explains the medical reason or justification for ordering a specific test, procedure, or treatment.
Guides Further Action: Indications help healthcare providers decide on the next steps, such as ordering more targeted tests or exploring a specific treatment path.
Requires Professional Interpretation: A result indicating a potential issue must be interpreted by a medical professional, considering your medical history, symptoms, and other test results.
Informs Treatment Decisions: The indication is the cornerstone of evidence-based practice, ensuring medical interventions are suitable and useful for the patient's specific health needs.
Context-Dependent Meaning: The significance of an indication is highly dependent on the individual patient, their symptoms, and the overall clinical picture, not just the isolated test result.

Demystifying 'Indication' on Your Medical Test Results

When you receive medical test results, the terminology can be confusing. Many people focus on numbers and values, but some of the most critical information lies in the narrative sections, such as where 'indication' is mentioned. Understanding what this term signifies is crucial for making sense of your report and having a more productive conversation with your healthcare provider.

The Role of 'Indication' in Diagnostic Reports

In a medical report, especially for diagnostic imaging like an MRI or CT scan, the 'indication' section provides the clinical context for why the test was ordered in the first place. It's a communication tool between the referring physician and the specialist interpreting the results, like a radiologist. This section clarifies the specific clinical question the test is meant to answer. For example, if you have a lingering pain, the indication might be "Evaluation of persistent abdominal pain." This helps the specialist focus their analysis and provide the most relevant findings.

Indication Versus Diagnosis

It is vital to distinguish between an 'indication' and a 'diagnosis.' An indication is a reason for a test, while a diagnosis is the result of the test and the final medical assessment. A positive or abnormal result may point to a potential problem, or indication, but it does not serve as a definitive diagnosis on its own. For instance, an elevated white blood cell count (an indication) suggests an infection, but further tests are needed to confirm the exact diagnosis, such as strep throat. A radiologist's report might show an indication of a possible fracture, but a final diagnosis confirms it.

Clinical Indication: More than Just a Test Result

The phrase "clinical indication" takes the meaning a step further. It refers to a sign, symptom, or circumstance that leads to a recommendation for a treatment, medication, or procedure. This means clinical indications are used by doctors to justify why a certain medical intervention is necessary. For example, a confirmed bacterial infection is a clinical indication for prescribing antibiotics. This evidence-based approach ensures that treatments are appropriate and tailored to the patient's specific needs.

The Importance of Context in Interpretation

The meaning of an indication is always dependent on context. Your healthcare provider will use your test results, along with other information such as your medical history, physical exam, and other lab findings, to piece together the full picture. A single test result outside the normal range might be completely benign for one person but significant for another, depending on their overall health and symptoms. This holistic view is why professional interpretation is non-negotiable. Trying to interpret an isolated indication on your own can lead to confusion, undue worry, or a misunderstanding of your health status.

Understanding the Types of Clinical Indications

Clinical indications are not all the same. They can be broadly categorized into several types, each guiding a different aspect of medical practice.

Therapeutic Indications: These justify a treatment aimed at alleviating symptoms or curing a condition. For instance, high blood pressure is a therapeutic indication for prescribing antihypertensives.
Diagnostic Indications: These involve procedures or tests designed to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. For example, using an X-ray to evaluate a suspected fracture.
Preventive Indications: These focus on proactive measures to prevent disease. A vaccination is a preventative measure indicated for those at risk of a specific infection.
Monitoring Indications: These justify tests used to track the progression of a chronic condition or the effectiveness of a treatment, such as a diabetic's blood glucose levels.

What to Ask Your Doctor About an Indication

Navigating your results can be overwhelming. To ensure you fully understand what an indication means for you, consider asking your doctor specific questions. Here is a numbered list of questions to guide your conversation:

"What specifically does this indication point to?"
"What other tests are needed to confirm or rule out a diagnosis?"
"How does this result relate to my symptoms and overall health history?"
"What are the potential next steps, and what are my treatment options?"
"What is the timeline for further testing and potential treatment?"
"Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider in light of this indication?"
"Can you explain the difference between what was indicated and a final diagnosis?"

Comparison of Normal vs. Indicated Results


Feature	Normal (or Negative) Result	Indicated (or Abnormal) Result
Finding	The test did not find the substance or condition it was looking for.	The test found a substance or condition that needs further investigation.
Significance	Generally means a lower likelihood of having the suspected condition.	Increases the likelihood of a disease process, but is not a final confirmation.
Interpretation	Often interpreted as a sign of health or a condition being within normal limits, though sometimes a deeper look is needed.	Requires professional evaluation in the context of a patient's full clinical picture.
Next Steps	Often no further action is required for that specific test, but follow-up may still be needed based on symptoms.	Usually leads to targeted further testing to confirm or clarify the finding.
Example	A negative strep test for a sore throat.	A high blood glucose reading, indicating potential diabetes.

The Takeaway

Seeing the word 'indication' on a test report should prompt a discussion with your doctor, not panic. It serves as a vital clue, steering your healthcare provider toward a clearer understanding of your health. Think of it as a waypoint on your diagnostic journey, not the final destination. Engaging actively in this process and asking informed questions is the best way to move forward with confidence.

For more detailed information on understanding various lab results, a resource like the American Cancer Society's guide on reading test results is a great place to start: Understanding Your Lab Test Results.

Frequently Asked Questions

An indication is the reason for performing a test, while a diagnosis is the conclusion or final assessment drawn from all clinical evidence, including test results.

On a diagnostic report, such as a radiology report, the 'indication' section provides the clinical information supplied by your referring doctor. It tells the specialist why the test was ordered, for example, to evaluate a symptom like 'persistent cough'.

Yes. An indication suggests a possibility, but it isn't definitive proof. Many factors can cause a test result to be outside the normal range, and further testing is often required to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

You should discuss the results with your doctor. They will explain what the indication suggests, how it fits with your overall health, and what follow-up steps, if any, are necessary. Do not try to self-diagnose.

No, the term applies more broadly. Clinical indications are also the medical reasons for recommending a particular treatment, procedure, or medication, not just tests.

Yes. Some people with health problems can have test results that fall within the normal range. Your doctor evaluates your results in the context of your symptoms and history, and may order additional tests if necessary.

Doctors rely on a combination of evidence-based medical guidelines, research findings, and their professional expertise. They integrate information from your test results, physical examination, and medical history to make informed decisions about the most suitable path forward.