Reference Intervals of Haematological Parameters for Apparently Healthy Adults in Northeast Ethiopia

Clinical laboratory reference intervals play a vital role in evaluating overall well-being, tracking the progression of diseases, and detecting potential harmful effects and complications. Despite evidence revealing disparities, many African nations currently rely on reference intervals for blood analysis obtained mainly from Western populations. This practice increases the risk of misidentifying and misdiagnosing healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to establish common hematological parameters reference intervals for healthy adults in Northeast Ethiopia.

This community-based cross-sectional study consisted of 328 individuals who were presumed to be in good health. To assess their blood-related characteristics, blood samples were collected and analyzed using the advanced Dirui BF-6500 analyzer, along with serological testing. In accordance with guidelines provided by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the study employed a non-parametric approach to calculate the medians and 95% confidence intervals. To explore potential variations between males and females, a statistical test known as the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the reference intervals.

The established reference intervals were: white blood cells 3.5-11.3×10⁹/L; red blood cells 4.0-6.1×10¹²/L; hemoglobin 11.2-17.5g/dL; hematocrit 35.4-52.0%; MCV 77.9-93.8fl; MCH 24.7-32.0pg; MCHC 306-349g/L; RDW-CV 12.1-13.8% and platelet 131-391×10⁹/L. The reference values of monocytes, eosinophils, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and RDW-CV in males were higher than females, while females had significantly higher platelet counts compared to males. The reference intervals discovered differed from the reference intervals now in use, those mentioned in earlier research in Ethiopia or other African nations, as well as those conducted on Western populations.

In the adult demographic of Northeast Ethiopia, specific reference intervals for commonly observed hematological parameters were established, tailored to the local community. Consequently, these reference intervals hold the potential to enhance informed decision-making within this population, by providing valuable guidance when interpreting laboratory test outcomes.