Comprehensive reference ranges for hematology and clinical chemistry laboratory parameters derived from normal Nigerian adults.
BACKGROUND
Interpretation of laboratory test results with appropriate diagnostic accuracy requires reference or cutoff values. This study is a comprehensive determination of reference values for hematology and clinical chemistry in apparently healthy voluntary non-remunerated blood donors and pregnant women.


RESULTS
Consented clients were clinically screened and counseled before testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis. Standard national blood donors' questionnaire was administered to consented blood donors. Blood from qualified volunteers was used for measurement of complete hematology and chemistry parameters. Blood samples were analyzed from a total of 383 participants, 124 (32.4%) males, 125 (32.6%) non-pregnant females and 134 pregnant females (35.2%) with a mean age of 31 years. Our results showed that the red blood cells count (RBC), Hemoglobin (HB) and Hematocrit (HCT) had significant gender difference (p = 0.000) but not for total white blood count (p>0.05) which was only significantly higher in pregnant verses non-pregnant women (p = 0.000). Hemoglobin and Hematocrit values were lower in pregnancy (P = 0.000). Platelets were significantly higher in females than men (p = 0.001) but lower in pregnant women (p =  .001) with marked difference in gestational period. For clinical chemistry parameters, there was no significant difference for sodium, potassium and chloride (p>0.05) but gender difference exists for Bicarbonate (HCO3), Urea nitrogen, Creatinine as well as the lipids (p<0.05). Total bilirubin was significantly higher in males than females (p = 0.000). Significant differences exist for all chemistry parameters between pregnant and non-pregnant women in this study (p<0.05), except Amylase and total cholesterol (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Hematological and Clinical Chemistry reference ranges established in this study showed significant gender differences. Pregnant women also differed from non-pregnant females and during pregnancy. This is the first of such comprehensive study to establish reference values among adult Nigerians and difference observed underscore the need to establish reference values for different populations.
Clinical Laboratory Services and Laboratory Research, Plateau State Human Virology Research Centre (PLASVIREC), Institute of Human Virology, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Clinical Laboratory Services, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria.
Timzing
T
Miri-Dashe
Clinical Laboratory Services and Laboratory Research, Plateau State Human Virology Research Centre (PLASVIREC), Institute of Human Virology, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Clinical Laboratory Services, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria.
Sophia
S
Osawe
Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
Monday
M
Tokdung
Monday Tokdung Nenbammun
MT
Daniel
Clinical Laboratory Services and Laboratory Research, Plateau State Human Virology Research Centre (PLASVIREC), Institute of Human Virology, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Nenbammun
N
Daniel
Clinical Laboratory Services and Laboratory Research, Plateau State Human Virology Research Centre (PLASVIREC), Institute of Human Virology, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Rahila Pam
RP
Choji
Clinical Laboratory Services and Laboratory Research, Plateau State Human Virology Research Centre (PLASVIREC), Institute of Human Virology, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
Ille
I
Mamman
National Blood Transfusion Service Jos, Plateau State Specialist Hospital # 13, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Kurt
K
Deme
National Blood Transfusion Service Jos, Plateau State Specialist Hospital # 13, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Dapus
D
Damulak
Clinical Laboratory Services and Laboratory Research, Plateau State Human Virology Research Centre (PLASVIREC), Institute of Human Virology, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Clinical Laboratory Services, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria; Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
Alash'le
A
Abimiku
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001782:Blood Donors; D002624:Chemistry, Clinical / Q000592:standards*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood; D006400:Hematocrit; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000379:methods; D006405:Hematology / Q000592:standards*; D006454:Hemoglobins; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D013587:Syphilis / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
D006454:Hemoglobins