Reference values for reticulocyte parameters and hypochromic RBC in healthy children

New erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters available on modern hematology analyzers have shown to be useful markers in children. However, pediatric method-specific reference ranges for these indices are sparse. We aim to establish pediatric reference values for reticulocyte parameters and hypochromic red blood cells in healthy children with the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer.

Prospective study of 311 healthy children aged from 6 months to 18 years old with normal hematological parameters. ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Amadora, Portugal) was used for whole-blood hematological measures. The sample population was grouped according to age into three cohorts, and gender distribution was used for participants aged ≥12 years.

Age- and gender-specific reference limits of reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr or Ret-He), difference between the reticulocyte and erythrocyte hemoglobin content (Delta-He), immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) and percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (%Hypo) are provided. Delta-He, IRF and %Hypo showed statistically significant gender differences in the 12-17 years group. CHr presented no significant gender variation within all age groups (median 30.8 ± 1.7 pg).

Establishing reliable pediatric reference intervals for these novel hematological parameters may offer valuable prospects for clinical practice and research in the pediatrics field.