Population Based Haematological Reference Ranges for Adults in Nigeria: An Update

Abstract

Background: Over the past few decades, the results of laboratory testing have undergone tremendous modification. This is as a result of technology advancements that have improved diagnostic methodology. Aim: The overarching goal of this study was to provide an update on the adult population of Nigeria's haematological profile while taking into account characteristics that had not been addressed in earlier publications. Materials and Methods: A total of 965 healthy adults participated in this cross-sectional study. They came from Calabar in Cross River State, Gombe State in northeastern Nigeria, and Enugu State in southeast Nigeria. Five millilitres (5 ml) of blood were drawn and well mixed in an EDTA anticoagulant bottle. Using the haematology auto analyzer BC5300 Mindray, the full blood count was carried out on the entire sample of blood. For serological testing, samples were spurned and their plasma was collected after centrifugation. Individuals were excluded from further research if they tested positive for HIV, HBsAg, malaria parasites, or a positive pregnancy test. Participants provided written informed consent for the collection of samples and their ensuing analysis, and the study was authorized by the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, ethical committee. Results: The mean value for RDW-CV in adult Nigerians was 13.7, RDW-SD (fl) was 52.74, MPV (fl) was 10.29, PDW was 16.13 and the PCT (mL/L) was 2.20. The platelets showed variations across the ethnic groups, for instance, Efik ethnic group had the lowest value (188±61.6) while the Yoruba population had the highest value (246±77.7) when compared with the population put together (216.84). Conclusion: The mean value for RDW-CV, RDW-SD, MPV, PDW and PCT, were captured in this study but we did not record any ethnic or sex variation for them.