LABORATORY REFERENCE VALUES FOR THE 70 YEAR OLDS

Reference values for common laboratory tests were determined as part o f a cross-sectional survey of 70 year olds in Jerusalem in 1991. Subje cts were systematically chosen from electoral lists. They were extensi vely interviewed regarding demographic, socioeconomic and health chara cteristics. Subsequently, 456 underwent a thorough medical examination including hematologic, biochemical and endocrinologic testing, Analys is of disease-specific mortality and hospital morbidity at 3 year foll ow-up proved these subjects to be representative of the overall Jerusa lem Jewish population of 70 year olds. Test-specific reference subgrou ps were determined to exclude effects of known diseases and drug consu mption. Reference values in these subgroups differ significantly from reference values currently used for adults without regard to age. The determination of disease for subjects provided the opportunity to iden tify changes that might reflect normal aging and those that might be a ffected by subclinical pathology. Interpretation of laboratory testing of older adults must consider the age-related differences in referenc e values.