Last updated: 3 September 2026
Health information deserves careful sourcing. This page explains the type of evidence MediCalls should prefer and how source quality is considered.
Preferred sources
Depending on the topic, we prefer official public-health agencies, recognized hospitals and medical institutions, professional medical organizations, government health services, peer-reviewed literature, established laboratory guidance and reputable patient-information resources.
Source relevance
A source should support the specific statement for which it is used. A highly reputable source about one condition does not automatically validate unrelated claims.
Numbers and ranges
Laboratory reference ranges, screening recommendations and treatment guidance can vary by laboratory, country, age, sex, pregnancy status, clinical context and guideline version. Articles should explain relevant variability rather than presenting every number as universal.
Fact-checking focus
Before publication or during later review, editors should pay particular attention to medication claims, emergency guidance, test interpretation, normal ranges, contraindications, risk statements and any language that could cause a reader to delay appropriate professional care.
Conflicting guidance
When reputable sources differ, articles should avoid pretending there is certainty where none exists. Where practical, the difference should be explained and readers should be encouraged to follow guidance appropriate to their location and clinician.