Study on establishing reference intervals for selected biochemical and hematological parameters at Binh Thanh District Health Center in 2024

Abstract

Objective: To establish reference intervals (RIs) for biochemical and hematological laboratory parameters at the Binh Thanh District Health Center, while simultaneously determining appropriate clinical stratification criteria. Subjects and methods: A cross -sectional descriptive study was conducted on 996 healthy adults. The RIs (2.5^th -97.5^th percentiles) and the 90% confidence intervals (CI) of the reference limits were determined using non-parametric methods according to the CLSI EP28-A3 guidelines. Sex and age stratification was based on statistical testing (p<0.05) combined with clinical criteria (SD ratio >1.5 and a marginal difference greater than 25% of the overall RI width according to the Harris-Boyd method). Results: The study established RIs for 16 laboratory parameters. Although many parameters showed statistically significant differences between males and females (p<0.05), this was after applying clinical criteria (SD ratio and 25% RI). Conclusion: The newly established RIs provide specific confidence limits (LRL and URL), ensuring accuracy in interpreting laboratory results. The application of clinical stratification criteria helps optimize the use of RIs, accurately reflecting the biological characteristics of the study population.