Reference values of haemoglobin and haematocrit in a Colombian worker's community

Abstract

Problem: to determine reference values of cyanometahaemoglobin (cyanoHb), oxyhaemoglobin (HbO2) and haematocrit (Hct) in an active worker's population, affiliated to the Social Insurance and engaged to companies of the Aburra Valley and the antioquian East.

Methodology: descriptive, transversal and prospective study. Either samples were designed with statistical and demographic/epidemiological criteria: 415 subjects in Aburra and 412 in the East (total 827). They are active and apparently healthy workers. CianoHb ahd Hct were measured automatically, Hb22 with an EQM Research Inc. equipment.

Results: a) cyanoHb, HbO₂ and Hct significantly differ by region (at the higher altitude of the East, the difference is larger) and by gender, but not by age. In Aburra the 193 males have cyanoHb fo 16, 13 g/dL ( CI 95%: 15, 89-16, 36) and the 222 females have 13, 86 g/dL (CI 95%: 13, 65-14, 07). In the East, the 197 males have cyanoHb of 16, 49 g/dL (CI 95%: 16, 27-16, 71) and the 215 females 14, 41 g/dL (CI 95%: 14, 20-14, 62).

b) There is a high linear correlation between cyanoHb and Hb02 (r=0, 913) with the following equations: cyanoHb=0, 877+l, 128 (HbO₂); HbO₂=l, 538+0, 734 (cyanoHb).

c) A high correlation between cyanoHb and Hct (r=0, 959) as follows: cyanoHb= 0, 216+0, 336 (Hct); Hct=4, 297+2. 737 (cyanoHb)

d) There is high correlation between Hb22 and Hct (r=0, 896) as follows: Hb22= 1, 045+0, 253 (Hct); Hct=6, 304+3, 122 (Hb22)

e) The values of cyanoHb and Hct obtained in this population of workers difer from those reported for the general population.

f) It is adequate to use cyanoHb in order to obtain Hct and Hb22, as well as to use Hb22 to calculate cyanoHb and Hct