Trimester Related Reference Interval Limits for Hematological Parameters for Pregnant Women of Taita-Taveta Country, Kenya

Abstract

Hematological parameters reference intervals for pregnant women are different from those of non-pregnant women and are used to assess their health status; they vary in different populations. There is therefore a need for medical laboratories to develop local reference intervals for hematological parameters using the local population. This study was therefore carried out in order to develop 95% reference intervals for hematological parameter for pregnant women from Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. This was a cross-sectional study design involving 296 participants, 124 in their second trimester and 172 in their third trimester recruited while attending their antenatal clinics at Moi subcounty hospital, Voi, from the 16th week of pregnancy. Five milliters of venous blood was drawn from each of the participants and subjected to full hemogram analysis using a Coulter Counter Analyzer standardized by a 4C plus control blood. Reference intervals were developed using the EP28 A3c guide. Trimester independent reference intervals were developed for RBC (x1012/L), HB (g/dL), MCH (pg), MCHC (g/dL), MCV (fL), RDW-CV (%), RDW-SD (%), WBC (x109/L), NEU (x109/L), NEU (%), LYM (x109/L), LYM (%), MON (x109/L), MON (%), BAS x109/L, EOS (x109/L), EOS (%), PLT (109/L), PCT (%), PDW (%) and MPV (fL) and trimester dependent reference intervals were developed for BAS (x109/L), BAS % and PVC (%). In conclusion, the developed trimester specific reference intervals for hematological parameters which are different from those reported in medical literature can be adopted and used for diagnosing diseases associated with pregnancy in Taita-Taveta-County, Kenya