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A survey of hemoglobin values in Canada
Insights
This study analyzed 21,580 hemoglobin values from Canadian labs. Hemoglobin levels in medical referrals and well persons were similar, but mean values were often lower than "normal" ranges, especially in males with increasing age.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hemoglobin (Hb) levels are critical indicators of health.
- Establishing population-specific reference ranges is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Previous data may not reflect current Canadian population norms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and analyze a large dataset of hemoglobin values from Canadian laboratories.
- To establish age- and sex-specific mean hemoglobin values for the Canadian population.
- To compare hemoglobin levels between medical referrals and well persons.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of 21,580 hemoglobin values obtained from 84 participating Canadian laboratories.
- Data analyzed using the cyanmethemoglobin standard.
- Comparison of values stratified by age, sex, and health status (medical referral vs. well person).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in hemoglobin levels was found between medical referrals and well persons across most age groups.
- Mean hemoglobin values for adult women (18-84 years) were 13.0 g/100 ml.
- Mean hemoglobin values for men showed a decrease with increasing age, with values ranging from 15.0 g/100 ml (17-24 years) down to 14.3 g/100 ml (50-69 years).
- Mean values for pregnant women (19-44 years) were 12.2 g/100 ml.
- Most mean values were slightly lower than commonly cited "normal" ranges.
Conclusions:
- The study provides current, population-specific hemoglobin reference data for Canada.
- Hemoglobin levels in medical referrals do not significantly differ from well persons, suggesting broader applicability of reference ranges.
- Observed lower mean values, particularly in males with age, warrant further investigation and may necessitate adjustments to existing "normal" ranges.
Abstract:
A compilation of hemoglobin values has been made from submissions from laboratories in Canada using the cyanmethemoglobin standard prepared and distributed by the Canadian Communicable Disease Centre (formerly the Laboratory of Hygiene). From 84 participating laboratories 21,580 values were analyzed statistically by age and sex. "Medical referrals", exclusive of blood dyscrasias, were included but were documented separately from "well persons". In most age groupings no significant difference in these two categories was found.Values for boys and girls were similar up to 12 years of age. For adult women from 18 to 84 years the mean value was 13.0 g. per 100 ml. (95% confidence limits 10.8-15.2 g.); for pregnant women 19 to 44 years the mean value was 12.2 g. per 100 ml. (9.7-14.6 g.). For men aged 17 to 24 years the mean value was 15.0 g. per 100 ml. (12.8-17.3 g.); 25-49 years 14.6 g. per 100 ml. (12.4-16.9 g.); 50-69 years 14.3 g. per 100 ml. (11.8-16.8 g.). It is noteworthy that for the most part the mean values were slightly lower than those frequently quoted as "normal" and that the mean values, particularly for the male, were lower with increasing age.