Practical guide

How to upload a lab PDF to Catina

By Catina EditorialPublished August 20, 2026Updated August 20, 2026Fact-checked August 20, 2026

Use the original readable PDF, run the import, verify every extracted value, then save the confirmed record to the encrypted local Health Vault.

Review every extracted value against the original document before saving the imported record.

Verdict

Use the original readable PDF, run the import, verify every extracted value, then save the confirmed record to the encrypted local Health Vault.

Before you begin

Original source file

Have the original report or genetics file ready so you can compare every imported value with it.

File quality

Unlock password-protected files and obtain a complete, readable original before importing.

Methodology

The workflow was documented against the current Catina import flow and the linked provider export instructions where applicable.

Read the full scoring, sourcing, and corrections policy

What you'll need

  • Download the original, readable lab PDF from your lab or healthcare provider.
  • Open Catina in a supported browser and sign in to your account.
  • Keep the report open so you can compare every extracted value before saving.

Steps

  1. 1

    Open your Health Vault

    Sign in and open the lab import flow.

  2. 2

    Choose the original PDF

    Select the provider-issued file; avoid screenshots when a PDF is available.

  3. 3

    Check verification

    Confirm the Verification Center shows the sensitive processing destination as verified.

  4. 4

    Run extraction

    Allow Catina to parse supported biomarkers, units, dates, and ranges.

  5. 5

    Review and correct

    Compare each row with the original report.

  6. 6

    Save the confirmed record

    Store only after the review step is complete.

What crosses the network boundary

The selected source file is read in the browser. When an import needs sensitive AI extraction or explanation, the request body is encrypted in the browser for an attested Tinfoil enclave. Decryption happens exclusively inside the verified enclave. Catina's relay handles authentication, routing, limits, and billing metadata.

What is stored locally

After you confirm the extracted values, the supported record is saved in the encrypted local Health Vault. Standard vault unlock is backend-assisted. Extra Local Protection separately adds a passphrase-derived local encryption layer.

Review and confirmation

Compare names, dates, units, reference ranges, flags, and values with the original. Correct or remove any mismatch before saving.

Limitations

  • Scans, handwriting, unusual layouts, and unsupported biomarkers may require manual correction.
  • Reference ranges vary by lab; a qualified healthcare professional provides diagnosis.

Troubleshooting

  • If text extraction fails, use the original provider-issued PDF for the clearest input.
  • If units or reference ranges look wrong, edit the row before saving and keep the original file for comparison.
  • If enclave verification stops the request, try again later or contact support.

Verification Center evidence

Open Catina's Verification Center before a sensitive AI action to inspect the current enclave verification status and implementation evidence. A verification failure stops the sensitive request before transmission.

FAQ

What happens to my file when I use an AI feature?

The saved copy stays in your local Health Vault. The data needed for an AI request is encrypted on your device and opened exclusively inside a verified secure enclave for processing. Encrypted content passes through Catina and the supporting infrastructure, and the enclave discards the protected health content after processing. The service handles limited technical information needed to authenticate your account and route the request.

How should I use Catina's results?

Use Catina for informational health insights. Confirm abnormal or concerning results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Sources

  1. Catina privacy architectureCatina · verified August 20, 2026Supports: Catina storage, Catina AI processing, Catina limitations
  2. Authoritative Catina product informationCatina · verified August 20, 2026Supports: Catina features, Catina availability, Catina platform
  3. Catina plans and pricingCatina · verified August 20, 2026Supports: Catina pricing, Catina plan limits
  4. Proxy encrypted requests through your backendTinfoil · verified August 20, 2026Supports: Encrypted request bodies, Proxy-visible headers, Client verification
  5. Backend infrastructure and attestationTinfoil · verified August 20, 2026Supports: Secure enclave attestation, Client-side verification

Build your private health record

Import lab reports from any lab or country, add supported raw genetics and lifestyle context, track changes over time, and generate personalized insights. Confirm extracted values before saving them to your encrypted local Health Vault.

Open Catina and import