Reference Intervals

Question 1

Examples of possible exclusion factors for a reference interval study:

Answer 1

Fasting or nonfasting
Genetic factors
Drugs: prescription or over the counter
Pregnancy
Illness, recent
Exercise pattern

Question 2

Examples of possible subgroups requiring partitions for a reference interval study:

Answer 2

Age(adult and childhood)
Fasting or nonfasting
Diet
Stage of pregnancy
Sex
Tobacco use

Question 3

Pre-analytic considerations (factors) for reference interval studies:

Answer 3

Subject preparation
Stress
Sample storage
Prescription medications
Collection time
Food/beverage ingestion

Question 4

Analytic considerations (factors) for reference interval studies:

Answer 4

Precision
Linearity
Accuracy
Interference
Lot-to-lot reagents
Recovery