When outside the norm is normal: interpreting lab data in the aged

Laboratory tests that are frequently ordered in a primary care practice include complete blood count, arterial blood gases, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, creatinine clearance, and glucose tolerance. Yet, the impact of age-associated physiologic changes on interpretation of laboratory data has only recently been elucidated. With advancing age, many laboratory parameters increase or decrease, some remain unchanged, and the effect of age on still others remains unclear. Interpreting lab data in the elderly is further confounded by the multiple disease states, polypharmacy, and atypical disease presentations commonly found in this population. Additional clinical research is needed to better establish reference laboratory values in elderly patients.