Work

Establishment of reference intervals for 41 serum biochemical analytes in healthy Chinese children

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: Owing to the absence of appropriate pediatric reference intervals (RIs), this study aimed to establish age-specific RIs for serum biochemical analytes in healthy Chinese children. Methods: A total of 2627 residual serum samples were collected from children aged 28 days to 17 years at Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital. Forty-one analytes, including enzymes, proteins, lipids, electrolytes, and others, were measured using the Mindray BS-2800M analyzer. Outlier removal and RIs establishment were performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP28 guideline. Age-dependent trajectories were visualized, and RIs were compared with multicenter studies. Additionally, the pediatric patterns of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were also evaluated by equations. Results: Twenty-one analytes showed distinct age-dependent dynamics, including liver enzymes, prealbumin, bilirubin, immunoglobulins, renal biomarkers, cardiac enzymes, ferritin, and anti-streptolysin O. Meanwhile, electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and other anemia markers remained stable across ages. RIs for thirty-six analytes were largely consistent with comparative studies, although quantitative discrepancies were noted for triglyceride and anti-streptolysin O. In 806 children, eGFR increased rapidly during the first two years of life, with inter-formula variability. The European Kidney Function Consortium equation produced distribution pattern closest to measured ranges from the comparative study. Conclusions: This study established comprehensive pediatric biochemical RIs for forty-one serum analytes, with twenty-one exhibiting distinct age-dependent dynamics. Comparisons with landmark studies showed good agreement for thirty-six analytes. The eGFR equation selection requires caution, particularly in young children. These RIs provide reliable evidence to support cross-regional harmonization and help reduce inappropriate use of references in children.

Source: Practical Laboratory Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.plabm.2026.e00537

Authors: Qinlan Liu, Xiufa Zhang, Ling Zhuang, Yidan Wang, Xian Chen, Feng Wang

Language: English

Topic: Clinical Laboratory Practices and Quality Control

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,140

Funder: Wu Jieping Medical Foundation