Abstract
Laboratory tests of adolescents are often interpreted by using reference intervals derived from adults, even though these populations differ in their physical and physiologic characteristics and disease susceptibility. Therefore, to examine the distribution of laboratory values specific for adolescents, we analyzed hematologic and biochemical measurements obtained from 12,023 healthy Japanese adolescents (ages 15 through 18 years; male, 9165; female, 2858) during 2009 through 2018. Distributions were shown as medians with 95% (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles) of values and were compared with those from previous studies that examined similar Asian populations. There were some differences between hematologic parameters, serum creatinine and uric acid concentration, and lipid levels of Japanese adults and adolescents. In comparison with other Asian populations, the distributions of serum uric acid and high-density–lipoprotein cholesterol in the present study were slightly higher than those in the other studies. Although further research is need, the distributions of hematologic and biochemical tests in adolescents may have the potential to facilitate the early identification and management of disease in this population.
Highlights
Reference intervals play critical roles in the interpretation of laboratory parameters and enable disease risk assessment in asymptomatic people
Because adolescents are in the transitional phases of growth and development, they differ from children and adults in physical and physiologic characteristics and disease susceptibility
We focused on examining the distribution of hematologic and biochemical parameters in Japanese high-school adolescents
Summary
Reference intervals play critical roles in the interpretation of laboratory parameters and enable disease risk assessment in asymptomatic people. Because adolescents are in the transitional phases of growth and development, they differ from children and adults in physical and physiologic characteristics and disease susceptibility. Despite previous studies that showed differences in laboratory reference intervals between adolescents and adults [1, 2], laboratory tests of adolescents typically are interpreted by using reference intervals derived from adult populations. The sooner reversible risk factors are corrected, the lower the likelihood of potential future disease [3]. Early identification of abnormal laboratory values will enable early intervention and benefit adolescents at high risk for various diseases.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
