Estimating Reference Intervals from Routine Laboratory Data Using Indirect Reference Interval Methods

Course overview

Application of data analytics to archived laboratory data with the intention of improving patient care and laboratory efficiency is an area of interest that continues to grow among laboratory professionals. The process of applying indirect methods for reference interval (RI) estimation and verification is an example of how laboratorians can use archived data to improve test interpretation and patient care. The aim of this presentation is to describe the principles of indirect reference interval methods and to provide practical and applicable examples where one can use these analytical tools to characterize RIs for analytes with varied distributions and partitions. After this presentation, participants will be able to: - Summarize the establishment and use of reference intervals in clinical laboratory practice - Discuss the application of direct and indirect methods to determine population/sex/age-based reference intervals - Describe how different estimation methods can overcome analyte specific challenges including skewed, partial, or overlapping distribution