ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Laboratory Developed Test

Imagine you have a toy building set that you want to make into a new toy. To do this, you need to use your creativity and skills to create something special that nobody else has made before. This is similar to what happens in a laboratory developed test!

A laboratory developed test, or LDT, is a special medical test that is made by scientists and doctors in a laboratory. These tests are unique because they are not already available on the market like other medical tests. Instead, they are created specifically for a particular patient, disease, or condition.

The process of making an LDT begins when scientists and doctors gather information about the condition they want to test for. They then create a formula, or recipe, for the LDT that will detect the specific markers or substances in a patient's blood, urine, or other bodily fluid.

To get the ingredients for the LDT, scientists and doctors must gather special chemicals and tools. They mix the ingredients together in a special machine called an analyzer, which helps to measure and analyze the results. This is like using your toy building set to create something new and unique, using parts that you've never used before.

Once the LDT has been designed and tested, it can be used to help diagnose patients with the condition it was created for. This can help doctors determine the best treatment plan for the patient and ensure they receive the care they need to get better.

In summary, a laboratory developed test is a special medical test that is created from scratch by doctors and scientists in a laboratory. It is like building a new toy from your toy building set using your creativity and skills. The LDT helps doctors diagnose patients with specific conditions and create treatment plans tailored to their needs.