Laboratory reference values for the 70 year olds

Reference values for common laboratory tests were determined as part of a cross-sectional survey of 70 year olds in Jerusalem in 1991. Subjects were systematically chosen from electoral lists. They were extensively interviewed regarding demographic, socioeconomic and health characteristics. Subsequently, 456 underwent a thorough medical examination including hematologic, biochemical and endocrinologic testing. Analysis of disease-specific mortality and hospital morbidity at 3 year follow-up proved these subjects to be representative of the overall Jerusalem Jewish population of 70 year olds. Test-specific reference subgroups were determined to exclude effects of known diseases and drug consumption. Reference values in these subgroups differ significantly from reference values currently used for adults without regard to age. The determination of disease for subjects provided the opportunity to identify changes that might reflect normal aging and those that might be affected by subclinical pathology. Interpretation of laboratory testing of older adults must consider the age-related differences in reference values.