Reference ranges are important because they provide a baseline for interpreting laboratory test results. By comparing a patient’s test results to the reference range, healthcare providers can identify any values that fall outside of the normal range. This can help them to diagnose diseases, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and identify potential complications.
Reference ranges are established by testing a large group of healthy people and determining the range of values that includes 95% of the results. This means that 2.5% of healthy people will have test results that fall outside of the reference range. This does not necessarily mean that they are sick, but it may indicate a need for further testing or evaluation.
Reference ranges can vary depending on a number of factors, including age, sex, race, ethnicity, and pregnancy status. This is why it is important to use a reference range that is appropriate for the patient’s population group.
Here are some specific examples of how reference ranges are used in hematology:
- A full blood count (FBC) is a common hematology test that measures the levels of different types of blood cells in the blood. The reference ranges for FBC values vary depending on the patient’s age and sex. For example, the reference range for the white blood cell count is higher in children than in adults.
- A prothrombin time (PT) test is used to measure how long it takes for the blood to clot. The reference range for the PT test is different for people who are taking blood thinners and for those who are not.
- A platelet count is used to measure the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are involved in blood clotting. A low platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding. The reference range for the platelet count is the same for both men and women.
Reference ranges are an important tool for healthcare providers in the diagnosis and management of hematologic diseases.
Adult
Full blood count (FBC)
| Parameters | Male | Female | Unit |
| White blood cell (WBC) Count | 4.1 – 10.34 | 4.3 – 11.68 | x 10^9/L |
| Red blood cell (RBC) count | 4.44 – 5.97 | 3.89 – 5.25 | x 10^12/L |
| Hemoglobin (Hb) level | 13.02 – 17.16 | 11.25 – 15.19 | g/dL |
| Haematocrit | 39.8 – 51.02 | 34.7 – 45.35 | % |
| Mean cell volume (MCV) | 80.72 – 96.93 | 78.63 – 97.22 | fL |
| Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) | 27.43 – 32.46 | pg | |
| Mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) | 31.77 – 35.21 | g/dL | |
| Platelet count (PLT) | 155.45 – 389.87 | x 10^9/L | |
| Red cell distribution width (RDW) | 11.7 – 14.43 | % | |
| Neutrophil count (NEUT#) | 1.87 – 6.92 | 1.94 – 7.44 | x 10^9/L |
| Lymphocyte count (LYMPH#) | 1.15 – 3.77 | x 10^9/L | |
| Monocyte count (MONO#) | 0.22 – 0.84 | x 10^9/L | |
| Eosinophil count (EO#) | 0.04 – 0.65 | x 10^9/L | |
| Basophil count (BASO#) | 0.01 – 0.1 | x 10^9/L | |
| NEUT%* | 40.86 – 72.08 | % | |
| LYMPH% | 19.94 – 47.59 | % | |
| MONO% | 4.03 – 11.8 | % | |
| EO% | 0.55 – 8.59 | % | |
| BASO% | 0.13 – 1.73 | % | |
| Reticulocyte count (RET#) | 35.75 – 107.5 | x 10^9/L | |
| RET% | 0.48 – 2.07 | % |
Lymphocyte subsets
| Parameter | Reference Range | Unit |
| CD3# | 694 – 2362 | cell/uL |
| CD4# | 391 – 1548 | cell/uL |
| CD8# | 185 – 1049 | cell/uL |
| CD3% | 51.19 – 81.65 | % |
| CD4% | 26.38 – 54 | % |
| CD8% | 12.89 – 40.69 | % |
| CD4/8 ratio | 0.77 – 3.93 |
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
| Parameter | Male | Female | Unit |
| 17 – 50 yr | 1 – 7 | 3 – 9 | mm/hr |
| 51- 60 yr | 2 – 10 | 5 – 15 | mm/hr |
Hemoglobin subtypes
Hematology-related biochemical parameters
| Parameter | Reference range | Unit |
| Serum iron | 11.5 – 30.5 | umol/L |
| TIBC | 45.5 – 75 | umol/L |
| Transferrin saturation | 15 – 47.5 | % |
| Ferritin | 20 – 325 | ug/L |
| Serum vitamin B12 | 180 – 1000 | pg/mL |
| Serum folate | 7 – 45 | nmol/L |
| Red cell folate | 300 – 1000 | nmol/L |
| Serum soluble truncated transferrin receptor (sTfR) | 9 – 28 | nmol/L |
| Serum haptoglobin | 30 – 200 | mg/dL |
| Serum erythropoietin | 4 – 19 | mU/mL |
Coagulation profile
| Parameter | Reference range | Unit |
| Prothrombin time | 12 – 14 | Seconds (s) |
| Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) | 24 – 35 | s |
| Thrombin time (TT) | 12 – 17 | s |
| D-Dimer for DVT/PE | <400 | ng/mL |
| Protein S | 65 – 140 | % |
| Protein C | 70 – 140 | % |
| Antithrombin | 80 – 120 | % |
| Factor II | 50 -150 | % |
| Factor V | 50 -150 | % |
| Factor VII | 50 -150 | % |
| Factor VIII | 50 – 200 | % |
| Factor IX | 50 – 150 | % |
| Factor X | 50 – 150 | % |
| Factor XI | 50 – 150 | % |
| Factor XII | 50 -150 | % |
| Willebrand factor activity | 60 – 200% | % |
| Willebrand factor antigen | 50 – 160 | % |
| Factor VIII-inhibitor | 0 – 0.5 | Bethesda unit |
| alpha2-antiplasmin | 80-120 | % |
| Plasminogen | 80-120 | % |
| Fibrin degradation products (latex particles) | <20 | ug/mL |
| Platelet Aggregation (in platelet-rich plasma) | ||
| with collagen (2ug/mL) | 70-95 | % |
| with arachidonic acid (0.5mM) | 70-100 | % |
| with ADP 5uM | 70-90 | % |
| with ADP 10uM | 70 – 90 | % |
| with epinephrine (5uM) | 75-90 | % |
| with ristocetin (1.0 mg/mL) | 60 -80 | % |
| Platelet ATP release (in blood) | ||
| with thrombin (1 unit) | >0.5 | nmoles of ATP |
| with collagen (2 mg/mL) | 0.5 – 1.7 | nmoles of ATP |
| (5mg/mL) | 0.9 – 1.7 | nmoles of ATP |
| with arachidonic acid (0.5mM) | 0.56 – 1.4 | nmoles of ATP |
| ADP (5mM) | 0 – 0.7 | nmoles of ATP |
| ADP (19mM) | 0.38 – 1.71 | nmoles of ATP |
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is specifically targeted toward medical students. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the information presented here is derived from credible medical sources and is believed to be accurate and up-to-date, it is not guaranteed to be complete or error-free. This article does not provide exhaustive information on all aspects of the discussed hematological disorders, and new research and understanding may emerge over time. See additional information.
