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Article: Local reference ranges for full blood count and CD4 lymphocyte count testing.(Original Articles)(cluster of differentiation)(Report)
- Article from:
- South African Medical Journal
- Article date:
- April 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 South African Medical Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Reference intervals are critically important for the correct interpretation of diagnostic tests. The full blood count and CD4 count are two frequently performed tests in HIV-endemic settings such as Gauteng province, South Africa.
Haemoglobin concentration is an independent prognostic indicator in HIV, while CD4 count determines initiation and response to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. (1) The South African National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) establishes reference ranges with the implementation of new tests, and periodically re-assesses reference intervals to accommodate changes in population demographics as well as technological advancements (ISO ...