[New criteria for evaluating the findings of clinical laboratory tests. New reference values for ascertaining biological effects of various environmental factors].
In this article new reference values and methodology of clinical laboratory tests useful as guidelines for providing health instruction on health effects of various environmental factors are suggested. Two different processes are developed as the methods for determining the reference values, which are comprised of three elements. One of the processes is based solely on the analysis of the relationship between a certain environmental factor and the result of a certain laboratory test (Unifactor method). The other process includes also analysis of other confounding factors in addition to analysis by the unifactor method (Multifactor method). Basic to these statistical analyses is the comparison of distribution of pertinent data among individuals with and without the factor. Using one of the reference values, 'X1 (unifactor method) or x1 (multifactor method)', we can discriminate those individuals who will be affected by an environmental factor with the highest reliability. Another reference value, 'X2 (unifactor method) or x2 (multifactor method)', on the other hand, can be used to identify those individuals in whose case the health effect of the factor must be closely considered. In some cases, a third reference value, 'X0 (unifactor method) or x0 (multifactor method), can also be determined. This value corresponds to the lowest or highest limit of the range that would not be associated with the factor. We believe that many health promotion activities may become more effective through the utilization of the results of health examinations that include assessment of total and environmental factors.
Takashima
Y
Y
Department of Public Health, Kyorin University School of Medicine.
Orido
Y
Y
Kinoue
T
T
Akamatsu
T
T
D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D004777:Environment; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D010338:Pathology, Clinical; D012016:Reference Values