What are you guys using to track your labs?

[Torqued]

I had posted this in my thread, but figured it might be a good breakout for it's own thread.

Are you guys using anything special to keep track of your lab results? Spreadsheet? Other Software? iPad/iPhone/Android apps?

[MyteeJ]

I had posted this in my thread, but figured it might be a good breakout for it's own thread.

Are you guys using anything special to keep track of your lab results? Spreadsheet? Other Software? iPad/iPhone/Android apps?

I don't know of a way to transfer PDF's into excel but that concept would be really convenient. Some hospitals keep the testing results in succession so look into that to track history. I asked a nurse once to print my results and I had multiple draws that I was able to view.

Microsoft has something called health Vault but I don't know how much help that would be.

i read your other posts - good luck getting back on track and hang in there!

[Torqued]

Thanks! Health Vault looks interesting.. apparently has the ability to import lab results form Quest, Lab Corp, scripts from pharmacies, etc. I'm going to give this a look.

[HRTstudent]

pen and paper

[Torqued]

pen and paper

Luddite!

I'd probably lose the paper. And I'm a nerd and like charts and graphs.

[kelkel]

Big thick binder. Love to find the time to put it on a spread sheet though. Xtitan did that and it's great.

[xtitan1]

Yeah I've been trying to find the best method for this. It's still a work in progress.

Spreadsheets would be nice if you are ordering the same B/W from the same lab every time. However, if you are getting different things tested, there are going to be holes in the data, which isn't a huge deal, but if you go to a different lab you may end up with different units or more likely different reference ranges so the data won't be comparable.

I use Microsoft HealthVault as well. It's a free service provided by Microsoft. Essentially it is a very secure online database that you login to and can store various data such as lab tests but also weight, blood pressure, imaging, medications, conditions, family history, etc. 3rd party developers can make "apps" that plugin with your permission and add various functionality. For example you can set up your CVS account to plugin to your healthvault account and every time you fill a medication it automatically gets entered into your healthvault account. You can also keep PDF copies of anything and everything in it. This way if you are really sick and need quick access to all of your records, you can just login or even give the healthcare provider your login and they can see any and everything instantly.

The major, major downside to this system is entering the data into the system. You need to be constantly requesting your records from your providers otherwise you are going to be out of date. Furthermore, entering information into healthvault, especially lab work, is extremely tedious and time consuming.

Luckily, LabCorp has an "app" for HealthVault called LabCorp Beacon, which automatically pushes your lab test results into your HealthVault account about a week or two after your draw. That's pretty damn cool especially if you have a Doc who doesn't like to give you the results until your appointment. However, the way they enter the results can be kind of messy so you better hope you like the way they enter it. I will show you an example:

The way I like to enter my results:


The way LabCorp Beacon enters results:




Now I have also done the excel thing although for thyroid ranges. I guess you could simply apply the same technique to sex hormone stuff as well. Note on the following two I have indicated optimal ranges: these are controversial and taken as best as I can interpret the guidelines on STTM (stopthethyroidmadness.com).

Bullet Gauges showing a snapshot of my latest thyroid labs compared to where they should be:


These are my thyroid labs showing results over time giving you a look at the trend of what you're doing.


As far as converting scanned labs from PDF to text, that's actually pretty easy to do. I have the full version of Adobe Acrobat and it comes with a built-in tool, my scanner comes with two tools that do it, and a quick google search will show you about a million programs that claim to be able to do it but I haven't tried to use any of them.

[kelkel]

!@#@$ Show off! HA! I use labcorp and I'm also set up with beacon but they're so damn slow I never bothered!

[xtitan1]

For whatever reason they've been getting my labs back pretty fast now. Usually before the doctor even gets them. About 10 days after draw I have the results. BTW they are also available in the regular PDF form if you prefer that and not the HealthVault stuff.

[fit2bOld]

I do the binder thing by date....

[kelkel]

Good to know. I'm just going to have to spend more time on the site. I usually just have them fax them to me that way I've got them in a couple days. Can't stand to wait.

Thanks XT!

[Torqued]

xtitan: Wow! Thanks for the detailed information. I appreciate it. I started looking at HealthVault today... I do see how it could be a pain in the ass. I'm halfway contemplating doing my own MS Access database to handle it.

[xtitan1]

Interesting. I am going to check out Access I have never used it before. Maybe I should learn the software and see if it's worthwhile..

[MyteeJ]

xtitan: Wow! Thanks for the detailed information. I appreciate it. I started looking at HealthVault today... I do see how it could be a pain in the ass. I'm halfway contemplating doing my own MS Access database to handle it.

If you know a bit about Access you could do something really slick and easy.

[MyteeJ]

Yeah I've been trying to find the best method for this. It's still a work in progress.

Spreadsheets would be nice if you are ordering the same B/W from the same lab every time. However, if you are getting different things tested, there are going to be holes in the data, which isn't a huge deal, but if you go to a different lab you may end up with different units or more likely different reference ranges so the data won't be comparable.

I use Microsoft HealthVault as well. It's a free service provided by Microsoft. Essentially it is a very secure online database that you login to and can store various data such as lab tests but also weight, blood pressure, imaging, medications, conditions, family history, etc. 3rd party developers can make "apps" that plugin with your permission and add various functionality. For example you can set up your CVS account to plugin to your healthvault account and every time you fill a medication it automatically gets entered into your healthvault account. You can also keep PDF copies of anything and everything in it. This way if you are really sick and need quick access to all of your records, you can just login or even give the healthcare provider your login and they can see any and everything instantly.

The major, major downside to this system is entering the data into the system. You need to be constantly requesting your records from your providers otherwise you are going to be out of date. Furthermore, entering information into healthvault, especially lab work, is extremely tedious and time consuming.

Luckily, LabCorp has an "app" for HealthVault called LabCorp Beacon, which automatically pushes your lab test results into your HealthVault account about a week or two after your draw. That's pretty damn cool especially if you have a Doc who doesn't like to give you the results until your appointment. However, the way they enter the results can be kind of messy so you better hope you like the way they enter it. I will show you an example:

The way I like to enter my results:


The way LabCorp Beacon enters results:




Now I have also done the excel thing although for thyroid ranges. I guess you could simply apply the same technique to sex hormone stuff as well. Note on the following two I have indicated optimal ranges: these are controversial and taken as best as I can interpret the guidelines on STTM (stopthethyroidmadness.com).

Bullet Gauges showing a snapshot of my latest thyroid labs compared to where they should be:


These are my thyroid labs showing results over time giving you a look at the trend of what you're doing.


As far as converting scanned labs from PDF to text, that's actually pretty easy to do. I have the full version of Adobe Acrobat and it comes with a built-in tool, my scanner comes with two tools that do it, and a quick google search will show you about a million programs that claim to be able to do it but I haven't tried to use any of them.

Impressive!!

[Torqued]

Interesting. I am going to check out Access I have never used it before. Maybe I should learn the software and see if it's worthwhile..

You can do a lot of cool stuff with it, but the learning curve is a little steep if you haven't worked with databases and queries before... having some experience with programming languages helps, but isn't necessary... the queries would give you the ability to slice and dice the data different ways and then export to Excel if you want to graph. Not such a big deal with not much data, but I'm taking the long view that I'll likely be on TRT the rest of my life. :/

[MyteeJ]

I have called LabCorp to get results and they send an email - sometimes even before the Dr sees them. All you have to do is sign a form with your proof of ID.

[Torqued]

I did find this this morning for iPad/iPhone - impathic dot com slash dataglass.html

Reviews are mixed, but I wonder how many of the bad reviews are people that (a) have unreasonable expectations for a mobile app or (b) just don't know what they're doing.

Description

Take your Microsoft Access databases with you on the go with the DataGlass Mobile Database Client for Access! Search, edit, and create records in your database using DataGlass on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

Watch a quick video tour of the features and capabilities at: access dash tour dot impathic dot com

Microsoft Access is the most popular desktop database in the world, and now you can utilize the full power of Access from your mobile device! DataGlass is the only app that can read your MS Access database directly on your iPhone or iPad without any additional complex desktop or server software setup.

With DataGlass Access, users on the go can use their iPhone or iPad to perform tasks like:

✓ Present reports on the iPad during client meetings
✓ Track lab test results
✓ Add and edit research notes while out in the field
✓ Check in attendees onsite for an event
✓ Run sales reports while at a customer site
✓ Respond to hotel guest requests from anywhere on the property
✓ Run inventory checks from the warehouse floor
✓ Track shipping and receiving activities

From DBAs and IT professionals that need to run ad-hoc queries, to executives who need immediate access to their raw data, to analysts who need to build and execute sophisticated reports, to sales personnel who need to update their data on the go, DataGlass is the only app you will need to connect you directly to with the data that is the lifeblood of the modern enterprise.

• Compatible with Microsoft Access databases from versions 97, 2000, 2002 2007, and 2010
• An unlimited number of databases can be simultaneously managed by DataGlass
• Transfer databases from your desktop computer using iTunes file sharing, or by mailing your database to yourself as an attachment
• Export your raw data to Numbers, Mail, or CSV files for inclusion in external reports
• Generate elegant charts from your data within the app
• Print the results of your queries directly from your printer-enabled iOS device
• Build and execute sophisticated queries spanning multiple tables using the ********** Query Designer, or enter custom SQL
• Note that forms are not supported in this release

[junk2222yard]

I am new to the game but have quickly realized the need to track...

I just made a Word document I use as a template. I just print out the template now and again, and write in the lab results. It is a simple table with TOT T, FREE T, E2, etc along the Y axis, and a bunch of date columns along the X axis. There are a lot of holes, because I usually don't test many things at once, but it suits me fine so far.

[xtitan1]

Well a little update here, I was curious about Microsoft Access after Torqued mentioned it. I managed to teach it to myself by watching tutorial videos online and then doing a lot of trial and error. I think I am getting somewhere, but I am finding it's less about the program and more about properly planning your tables in your database.

Anyway what I am trying to do is have a database of all my labs as well as my doctors. Everything is related, so I only need to enter in LabCorp's Total Testosterone reference range, for example, one time and from then on I can just select that from a drop-down list when entering a result and all of the reference ranges, units, and special notes will automatically be remembered for me. Every lab visit will also be able to have a PDF icon you can double-click to instantly open the actual corresponding PDF that your lab sent you (or you scanned from a hard copy) if you want that functionality.

Then I will be able to do any type of weird search you can think of, for example I can look up all FSH test results done at LabCorp by a specific doctor during a specific 3 month time period that were flagged as "low", just as an example. Or have a checklist of the lab tests I want to see, such as only Total T, Free T, E2, and SHBG and filter the rest out.

It's still in its infancy because I'm new to this program but so far some quick sneak peaks:

Lab Results Section (only some preliminary data entered in there just to give me an idea of what I'm doing)

Doctors Address Book. Sometimes my doctors want to know who else I'm seeing or get their contact info so they can send them updates/notes. I figure I could just print this out and give it to them.

This is a view of a table where I have entered some lab test types. These don't hold any results, just what types of tests can be done and what their reference ranges and units etc. are. That way you don't have to enter reference ranges every time, you can just say "LH" and " 7.5" and all the rest is taken care of.

This is a relationships view between all of the tables for those who are interested. I am having trouble figuring out how to handle things like a CBC Panel. Some lab values you just enter straight in, but it would be nice to have things like a CBC panel or CMP panel, or whatever panel, all grouped together. I think I have it sort of figured out but you still would have to enter each result individually and select each lab test type each time instead of a nice form with RBC, WBC, etc. etc. already selected so you could just tab through entering the numbers and be done.

[killergoalie]

pen and paper

Ditto! I'm lucky though. Here in B.C. we have a thing called myehealth.ca where you can go online and view all your lab results...most of the time the same day as you get your bloodwork done. It's pretty handy.

[MuscleInk]

Ditto! I'm lucky though. Here in B.C. we have a thing called myehealth.ca where you can go online and view all your lab results...most of the time the same day as you get your bloodwork done. It's pretty handy.

Yes.....just one of the benefits of a universal healthcare system that some people don't appreciate.

[killergoalie]

Yes.....just one of the benefits of a universal healthcare system that some people don't appreciate.

Oh for sure! I love that we can see our results. That way we don't have to wonder what they are...Hey it's OUR blood, we should get to see the results!...and wait nervously anxious by the phone for the Doctor to possibly call. This way we can see the results, know if there's a "problem", and when the Dr. does call, we already know what it's about. No shocks!

[xtitan1]

I mean I'm American and I also get my lab results electronically as soon as they're ready, even before the doctor does. The issue is being able to have a more functional way of using that data than just seeing what your labs were on such and such a day.

[killergoalie]

I mean I'm American and I also get my lab results electronically as soon as they're ready, even before the doctor does. The issue is being able to have a more functional way of using that data than just seeing what your labs were on such and such a day.

Ahh my mistake. No offense intended. Like I said, I just use a pen and paper.

[xtitan1]

No offense taken brutha! Admiteddly, some of thsi may be overkill on my part but I have a lot going on health-wise besides just the low T, and we are having a hard time diagnosing so I wanted something a little clearer than handing the doctor a stack of lab reports.

For example I have been doing these on my personal thread:

[killergoalie]

Hey no prob...I hear ya man! After all, it's OUR body, and OUR health...if we don't look after it, who will?!

Hey after I started my testosterone injections, I thought to myself, "Man, this is going to be great! I'll feel as if I'm 25 again!! (I was 52 when I started in Feb, just turned 53 last month.) At least according to a lot of what I read from others on TRT. HA! Reality check time!

Found out my E2 levels were through the roof...327 pmol/L, which converts to 89 pg/ml, plus I was still tired all the time, had no energy, insomnia, night sweats etc, so my Endo ordered a sleep apnea test, and sure enough I had severe sleep apnea. My breathing was interrupted during sleep 72 times per hour. (The baseline for sleep apnea is around 23 times per hour I believe.). So I went on a CPAP machine, and now my breathing is only interrupted an average of 2.5x per hour, I'm averaging 6.7 hours sleep per night, have much more energy, no more night sweats etc.

Not saying that this is the same in everyone's situation, but just reiterating your point about a person could have a number of medical issues that are making them feel less than optimum.

Best of luck with your endeavors!

[Torqued]

Well a little update here, I was curious about Microsoft Access after Torqued mentioned it. I managed to teach it to myself by watching tutorial videos online and then doing a lot of trial and error. I think I am getting somewhere, but I am finding it's less about the program and more about properly planning your tables in your database.

That looks pretty good for a first pass at it... And you're right about the table planning! I'll probably get my wife to help me with mine as she's a bit of an Access wizard.