Determination of reference ranges for automated erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters in healthy adults

Abstract Objectives Recent advances in hematology analyzers have enabled to improve the reliability in the results and also provided additional hematological parameters. In the present study, we aimed to determine the reference ranges for automated erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters in healthy individuals on Sysmex XN 1000 hematology analyzer. Methods One hundred and thirty-three subjects with normal physical examination and complete blood count results within the reference ranges were included in the study. Venous blood samples collected in tubes containing K 2 -EDTA were analyzed on Sysmex XN-1000. The references intervals for IRF, RBC He, Ret He, LFR, MFR, HFR, Delta He, Micro R, Macro R, Hypo He and Hyper He were determined according to CLSI EP28-A3c. Results The reference ranges of the parameters were estimated with 90% confidence intervals. The reference ranges were 3.4–17% for IRF, 26.9–32.8 pg for Ret-He, 25.2–30.5 pg for RBC-He and 0.5–3.7 pg for delta-He. Gender specific reference ranges were calculated for of Ret-He (male (M): 26.8–32.9 pg, female (F): 23.9–33.6 pg), RBC-He (M: 26.3–30.8 pg, F: 25.3–30.5 pg) and delta-He (M: 0.5–3.7 pg, F: 0.3–3.7 pg). Conclusions The new reticulocyte and erythrocyte parameters may be conveniently used in clinical diagnosis and follow-up of patients, as they offer reliable, automated and cheap results. Each laboratory is recommended to determine its own reference intervals considering the differences like the instrument used and population studied.