What does my specific HL score number mean?

Your HL score represents your miRNA expression as a multiple of the Healthy Level reference. For example: 0.85× HL means your miRNA expression is 15% below the healthy reference average — clearly Normal. 1.04× HL is the average healthy person's score — Normal. 1.45× HL is just below the threshold — Normal but close; your physician may recommend closer monitoring. 1.5× HL is exactly at threshold — triggers confirmatory second analysis. 1.75× HL is above threshold — Elevated. 1.83× HL is the published average cancer score. 2.0+ HL is well above threshold — strongly Elevated. Your HL score provides more information than just the binary Normal/Elevated — your physician can use the actual number to assess how far above or below the threshold you are.