Reference intervals for trace elements in the general Danish population and their dependence on serum proteins

Abstract

Reference intervals that indicate the anticipated results of clinical chemistry parameters in a healthy background population are essential for the proper interpretation of laboratory data. In the present study, we analysed major trace elements in blood samples from 400 randomly selected members of the general Danish population. Reference intervals were established for trace elements in both whole blood and serum, and associations with major plasma transport proteins were investigated. In the case of a statistically significant correlation, a corresponding protein-adjusted reference interval was established for comparison with the unadjusted interval. While several trace elements correlated with albumin, ferritin and transferrin, the overall impact of transport proteins was minor and resulted in only marginal changes in the reference intervals. In conclusion, the updated reference intervals for trace elements can be employed without adjusting for plasma protein concentrations.

Keywords:

• Trace elements
• reference values
• albumin
• ferritin
• transferrin
• smoking

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank Birgitte Meyer Petersen, Odense University Hospital, for assistance with the trace element analyses.

Additional information

Funding

The Danish Health and Examination Survey 2007–2008 was financed by the Ministry of the Interior Health, Denmark and the Tryg Foundation (JT and OE). This work was further supported by the Danish Health Authority by a grant to TKJ.