[Reference values in biology. Use and special value in preventive medicine]

Area of Science:

• Clinical Biochemistry
• Physiopathology
• Medical Laboratory Science

Context:

• Traditional "normal" or "abnormal" values in biology present interpretation challenges.
• Advancements in physiopathology and laboratory techniques highlight the complexity of interpreting lab results.
• Understanding pre-analytical (sampling) and analytical (technique) variations is essential.

Purpose:

• To advocate for the adoption of "reference values" over "normal/abnormal values" in biological interpretation.
• To emphasize the critical role of individual variability and influencing factors in laboratory testing.
• To establish a framework for more precise clinical interpretation of laboratory data.

Summary:

• Factors such as age, sex, medications, and exercise significantly influence laboratory test results.
• These interfering factors must be classified to identify those that may alter reference values used for clinical interpretation.
• Individualized reference values, determined during a period of optimal health (ages 18-25), provide the most valuable data for both preventive and curative medicine.

Impact:

• Shifts the paradigm from population-based "normal" ranges to personalized health monitoring.
• Enhances the utility of laboratory examinations in preventive medicine by detecting subtle, early variations.
• Improves the profitability and accuracy of laboratory use in both preventive and curative healthcare settings.