Laboratory reference intervals for routinely analyzed transferrin and unsaturated iron-binding vapacity parameters in the adult population of Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Reference intervals (RIs) are used in the interpretation of clinical laboratory data to help doctors reach a medical decision point. However, due to a variety of reasons, RIs varies significantly between various populations. This study aimed at establishing transferrin, and IUBC reference intervals that can be used locally for the interpretation of iron indices at MTRH. A cross sectional study was conducted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, 290 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study where their transferrin and IUBC were examined. The non-parametric approach was used to determine reference values with a 95% confidence interval. The Sigma diagnostics approach was used to verify the established Ris. IBM SPSS version 23.0 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare genders for significant differences. The established reference intervals for Transferrin: males: 2.13–4.01 g/L, females, 2.08–4.04 g/L; UIBC: males, 20.50–64.08 umol/L, females: 20.07–64.21 umol/L. Comparisons between genders for significant differences were done using Mann-Whitney U tests, revealing no significant gender-based differences between transferrin and UIBC exhibited. The established reference intervals in this study are age and sex- specific for routinely used transferrin and IUBC catering for the adult population of Uasin Gishu County aged 18–64 years. The result will assist the clinicians in reaching an informed medical decision.