LQPB230X - CMLE - AGE-SPECIFIC REFERENCE RANGES: WHY ARE THEY NECESSARY?-AGE-SPECIFIC REFERENCE RANGES: WHY ARE THEY NECESSARY?

AGE-SPECIFIC REFERENCE RANGES: WHY ARE THEY NECESSARY?

Pdf Summary

The document discusses the importance of age-specific reference ranges in clinical immunology testing to accurately interpret lab results, particularly for developing immune systems in pediatric patients. It outlines the dynamic changes in immune system components such as immunoglobulins, lymphocytes, and complement proteins from birth to adulthood. The establishment of reference ranges involves analyzing samples from healthy individuals of varying age groups and factors like race and ethnicity. The immune system development from fetal stages to childhood is highlighted, emphasizing the need for accurate pediatric reference ranges. The text also touches upon specific conditions like hypogammaglobulinemia and 22q11 deletion syndrome, where accurate diagnosis relies on age-appropriate reference ranges. By using age-specific reference ranges, a clinical case involving a 2-year-old with contrasting IgG results from different labs was resolved, showcasing the importance of proper reference range utilization. Additionally, the challenges faced by labs in obtaining and analyzing adequate samples for establishing reference ranges are discussed. The document emphasizes the significance of incorporating age-specific reference ranges for precise clinical interpretations, especially in pediatric immunology.

Keywords

clinical immunology testing

age-specific reference ranges

pediatric patients

immune system development

immunoglobulins

lymphocytes

complement proteins

hypogammaglobulinemia

22q11 deletion syndrome

accurate diagnosis