[Determination of full blood count normal reference values for adults in France]. / Étude des valeurs normales de l'hémogramme chez l'adulte: un besoin pour une meilleure interprétation et pour l'accréditation du laboratoire.

The full blood count (FBC) is the most prescribed laboratory test in France. Due to the lack of data, there is a great variability in reference values of the FBC, between medical laboratories. The aim of this work was to provide normal reference values for FBC in adults. These normal values were defined in a population of 33 258 healthy adults, 19 612 men and 13 646 women. These values were determined after excluding subjects having conditions in order to modify, either directly or indirectly, FBC parameters. For each parameter, we provide results for values of standard parameters, by sex and age, from 16 to 69 years. In addition, we present FBC values from a population of 339 subjects aged over 69 years with no comorbidities. These normal values are proposed to be used in everyday practice. They make it possible to distinguish, without ambiguity, a normal situation from a pathological situation. Moreover, they can be applied to the entire metropolitan France.

Full blood count normal reference values for adults in France.

AIMS: To determine full blood count (FBC) normal reference values for adults. METHODS: FBC normal values for healthy adults were defined, after establishing preanalytical conditions, in a population of 33 258 subjects, 19 612 men and 13 646 women. The values were established after excluding from this population all people having conditions liable to modify, directly or indirectly, FBC parameters. RESULTS: Results for values of standard parameters are provided in detail for each parameter, by sex and by age group from 16 to 69 years of age. In addition, we present FBC values from a population of 339 subjects aged over 69 years with no comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: These normal values are proposed for use in everyday practice. They make it possible to distinguish, without ambiguity, a normal situation from a pathological situation. Moreover, they might be used over all mainland France.