Age- and sex-specific reference intervals for trace elements in infants and children: a multi-center study in Lincang, China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We used an algorithm to determine age- and sex-specific reference intervals (RIs) for copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, and lead in blood. Data were collected from three health screening centers.

Methods

The data were obtained from the trace element test results of 3933 outpatients aged <18 years at three health examination centers in Lincang City between June 2014 and May 2024. Atomic absorption spectrometry was employed to measure the trace element. Participants were divided into subgroups at 1-year intervals according to age and gender. Decision trees were constructed by the Classification and Regression Tree method to determine the optimal age segmentation point. Harris-Boyd and Lahti methods were used to assess the appropriateness of age segmentation.

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12515901 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature