Inclusive Laboratory Reference Intervals and Clinical Studies to Reduce Health Disparities

Health inequities are common and in part a consequence of non-inclusive health research. The underrepresentation of specific populations in research, including women, children, youth and the elderly, racialized and ethnic groups, and sexual and gender minorities, results in limited ability to develop appropriate reference intervals, determine effective treatments, and establish health guidelines to optimize health outcomes for all. By working together toward greater inclusivity in all aspects of health research and care, health care providers and professional medical societies, including laboratory medicine practitioners, have the ability to achieve health equity.