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Hematological and biochemical laboratory values in older Cardiovascular Health Study participants
Insights
Reference laboratory values for older adults differ significantly from general population norms. These findings highlight the need for age-specific clinical and research guidelines to ensure accurate health assessments in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Establishing accurate reference ranges for laboratory tests is crucial for diagnosing and managing health conditions.
- Existing laboratory norms are often based on younger, general populations, potentially leading to misinterpretation in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference hematologic and biochemical laboratory values specifically for older individuals.
- To identify age- and gender-specific differences in these values.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 5201 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, an observational study of older adults.
- Collection of blood samples to measure various hematologic and biochemical parameters.
- Inclusion of health status, medical history, and medication use to define a healthy subset.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in mean laboratory values were observed across different age groups and genders.
- Many measured values deviated significantly from currently accepted clinical laboratory reference ranges.
- These deviations underscore the inadequacy of general population norms for older adults.
Conclusions:
- Standard laboratory reference ranges may not be applicable to the older adult population.
- The findings have significant implications for both clinical practice and research involving elderly individuals.
- Age-specific reference values are necessary for accurate health assessments in geriatrics.
Objective:
To define reference hematologic and biochemical lab values in older individuals.
Design:
Randomly selected, age- and gender-stratified participants.
Setting:
Visits by participants to four research clinics.
Patients:
A total of 5201 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, an observational study of older Medicare-eligible individuals living at home.
Measurement:
Information about health status, previous illness, and medication use was obtained from participants and/or their MDs. This information was used to define a healthy subset of the population. Blood samples were obtained for Cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting and 2-hour postload glucose and insulin, fibrinogen, factors VII and VIII, potassium, creatinine, albumin, uric acid, white blood count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet count.
Results:
Significant differences were found for age group and/or gender for all mean values. Many tests were significantly different from the generally accepted reference ranges used in clinical laboratories.
Conclusions:
In some situations accepted laboratory norms for the general population can not be extrapolated to older adults. There are implications for both research and clinical practice.