Abstract
Reference interval is a term to replace normal range. It is recommended that reference intervals with a clear description of subjects and procedure be commonly used. In this study, reference intervals were established for common use, since normal ranges differ among many institutions and cellulose acetate membranes without electric penetration are commonly used. Reference intervals were established based on data from adults undergoing physical examination at two institutions, according to the method described by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). As a consequence, it was shown that age, sex and the presence or absence of habitual smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity contributed to some degree of differences. However, these differences did not influence clinical decision making. Since it was impractical in medical practice to express reference intervals on various physiological conditions or life habits, one reference interval was established for each protein fraction. If accuracy is sufficiently controlled and good results are obtained in a control survey, these reference intervals can be made available for wide spread use. Author hopes that this study will promote the common use of reference intervals for serum protein fractions.
