A pilot study to determine the normal haematological indices for young Malawian adults in Blantyre, Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reference ranges for haematological and other laboratory tests in most African countries are based on populations in Europe and America and, because of environmental and genetic factors, these may not accurately reflect the normal reference ranges in African populations.

Aim

To determine the distribution of haematological parameters in healthy individuals residing in Blantyre, Malawi. We also examined the effect of sociodemographic and nutritional factors on the haematological variables.

Methods

We conducted a proof-of-concept cross-sectional study, involving 105 healthy blood donors at Malawi Blood Transfusion Service in Blantyre. Eligible participants were HIV-negative males and females, aged 19 to 35 years, who did not have any evidence of acute or chron

SUBMITTER: Chisale MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4688870 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature