Documentation of Reference Range JCAHO Requirement

As of 2005, JCAHO requires quantitative patient tests results are charted accompanied by the normal population's reference range. 

Test (results) may fall under one of three categories: Qualitative, semi-quantitative, or Quantitative.  A Quantitative test is a test that provides a discrete result and more accurately reflects the concentration of a given analyte (i.e. glucose); the result is usually a number with or without decimals.  See below for examples of tests that classify as 'quantitative'.  The reference range or normal range appears on the right column, and indicates what the result should be like for a normal, healthy individual.

A semi-quantitative test on the other hand, is a test that usually provides a 'ball park' or approximate concentration; for example UA dip results are usually reported as +1, +2; clinitest results are reported as 1%, 1/2%, 1/4%, etc. 

Finally, Qualitative tests are the least reflective of an analyte's concentration and can only depict the presence or absence of an analyte.  Example of qualitative tests are rapid Strep A kits and Pregnancy test kits both of which are reported as positive or negative indicating only the presence or absence of the analyte in question, as opposed to a general idea (semi-quantitative) or actual (quantitative) concentration.