Hematological parameters and red blood cell indices in healthy Thai children: a revision for 2005

In order to provide a reference range for hematological parameters and red blood cells indices in Thai children, we analyzed data from 395 healthy non-anemic Thai children age from 1-16 years old, who all had normal pattern of hemoglobin typing (Hb A and Hb A2 less than 3.5%). Hematological analysis was performed using an automated cell counter and the hemoglobin studies were carried out by electrophoresis and liquid chromatography. Owing to a high frequency of a thalassemia in Thailand, cases with MCV < 75 fL has been excluded from the study since these cases were likely to be heterozygotes for alpha0 thalassemia. These criterions were applied to select so-called 'normal' controls for our analysis. Relatively mild microcytosis and hypochromia were observed, in particular in the first three years of age, suggesting an intrinsic immature nature of erythropiesis in the children. Age-dependent differences in the reference values for white blood cell (WBC) count and differential and platelet count were observed. Herein the hematological data and red blood cell indices were summarized according to ages and these will be of clinically useful for the future reference.