Exploring ethnic differences in the distribution of blood test results in healthy adult populations to inform earlier cancer detection: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In primary care, health professionals use blood tests to investigate nonspecific presentations to inform referral decisions. Reference ranges for the commonly used blood tests in western countries were developed in predominately White populations, and so may perform differently when applied to non-White populations. Knowledge of ethnic variation in blood test results in healthy/general populations could help address ethnic inequalities in cancer referral for diagnosis and outcomes.

Objective

This systematic review explored evidence of ethnic differences in the distribution of selected blood test results among healthy/general populations to inform future research aimed at addressing inequalities in cancer diagnosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE to i

SUBMITTER: Chen G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11461158 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature