Article
Article
Reference value and reference interval
Article By:
Gräsbeck, Ralph Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Last reviewed:March 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.576857
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In medicine and health sciences, a value expected for an individual whose state of health is known and well described, and the interval of values broadly expected for a population, respectively. Results of clinical laboratory tests and other observations are interpreted by comparing the results with results, called reference values, obtained from relevant individuals. Accumulations of reference values are subjected to statistical analysis, including a cutting off of the extremes of the distribution, in order to set reference limits and report a reference interval containing a stated proportion (often the central 95%) of the reference values. Reference values and reference intervals are a widely used tool for the interpretation of clinical laboratory results, aiding in the diagnosis and selection of appropriate therapeutic interventions. See also: Clinical pathology; Medicine; Pharmacology
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