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Pregnancy and laboratory studies: a reference table for clinicians
Mina Abbassi-Ghanavati1, Laura G Greer, F Gary Cunningham
1From the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Establishing pregnancy-specific laboratory reference ranges is crucial. Normal values for many common lab tests differ significantly in pregnant individuals compared to non-pregnant states, impacting accurate interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Obstetrics
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Interpreting laboratory results during pregnancy requires careful consideration of physiological changes.
- Existing laboratory reference ranges may not accurately reflect the pregnant state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal reference ranges for common laboratory analytes during pregnancy.
- To highlight the differences between pregnant and non-pregnant laboratory values.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive electronic database review (PubMed, MEDLINE) and textbook analysis.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies of uncomplicated pregnancies with specified gestational ages.
- Data extraction and synthesis to determine 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles or min-max ranges.
Main Results:
- Normal reference ranges for several laboratory markers were established for pregnancy.
- Significant differences were observed in some laboratory markers between pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.
- Data synthesis combined percentile ranges with min-max ranges from various sources.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy-specific reference ranges are essential for accurate interpretation of laboratory results.
- Altered laboratory values due to normal pregnancy changes necessitate tailored reference intervals.
- Clinical decisions should be informed by these pregnancy-specific ranges.
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