THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTABLISHING LABORATORY SPECIFIC REFERENCE RANGES
Abstract:
The reference ranges provide valuable information for a correct interpretation of the laboratory results. In order to accurately interpret the laboratory test results in correlation with the data from clinical anamnesis and examination, the specialists rely on the availability of the reference ranges. Many laboratories have not established their own reference ranges, but they use those mentioned in the literature. Purpose: This paper aims at analyzing the opportunity of establishing specific reference ranges to the served population by each laboratory. The study is based on a systematic analysis and meta-analysis of the most cited papers of worldwide literature regarding the laboratory reference ranges for hemoglobin, serum iron and serum ferritin. For each parameter, two representative surveys were selected and analyzed in comparison. We have analyzed the benefits and limitations of each research method. The results of the analysis emphasize that there are significant differences between some age groups and the studies published in the scientific literature, thus establishing and validating specific reference intervals for the served population is a very important step. Conclusions: In conclusion, in order to prevent and reduce the risk of errors in diagnosis, it is necessary to establish the reference intervals for the served population. It is also important to establish the reference ranges by age, gender and ethnicity.
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