Abstract
BackgroundReference intervals for venous blood parameters differs with age, gender, geographic region, and ethnic groups. Hence local laboratory reference intervals are important to improve the diagnostic accuracy of health assessments and diseases. However, there have been no comprehensive published reference intervals established in Oman, the Gulf Cooperation Council or Middle Eastern countries. Hence, the aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for full blood count in healthy Omani adults.MethodsVenous blood specimens were collected from 2202 healthy individuals aged 18 to 69 years from January 2012 to April 2017, and analysed by Sysmex XS-1000i and Cell-Dyn Sapphire automated haematology analysers. Results were statistically analysed and compared by gender, age, and ABO blood group. The lower and upper reference limits of the haematology reference intervals were established at the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles respectively.ResultsReference intervals were calculated for 17 haematology parameters which included red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet parameters. Red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), platelet and platelet haematocrit counts of the healthy donors were significantly different between males and females at all ages (p < 0.05), with males having higher mean values of RBC, HGB and HCT than females. Other complete blood count parameters showed no significant differences between genders, age groups, instruments, or blood groups. Our study showed a lower haemoglobin limit for the normal reference interval in males and females than the currently used in Oman.ConclusionsData from this study established specific reference intervals which could be considered for general use in Oman. The differences in haematology reference intervals highlights the necessity to establish reference intervals for venous blood parameters among the healthy population in each country or at least in each region.
Highlights
It is hard to underestimate the importance of clinical laboratory test results
Reference intervals were calculated for 17 haematology parameters which included red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet parameters
Red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), platelet and platelet haematocrit counts of the healthy donors were significantly different between males and females at all ages (p < 0.05), with males having higher mean values of RBC, HGB and HCT than females
Summary
It is hard to underestimate the importance of clinical laboratory test results. Test results by themselves are of little value unless it is reported with the appropriate information for its interpretation. This information is provided in the form of a reference interval [2, 3]. Establishment of a normal reference interval is fundamental for precise clarification of disease diagnosis based on age, gender, ethnicity, genetic differences, and environmental factors [4]. Reference intervals for venous blood parameters differs with age, gender, geographic region, and ethnic groups. Local laboratory reference intervals are important to improve the diagnostic accuracy of health assessments and diseases. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for full blood count in healthy Omani adults
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