Question About Differences Between Reference Ranges

[NH_Watts]

Different Reference Ranges for Different Methods

Quite frequently it is discussed here why different labs/assays have different reference ranges. Trying to provide some background why the comparison of lab values is pointless without considering the individual method specific reference range. Lets take T3 as an example: Basically two different assay types exist (also true for T for example): the immunoassay type (e.g. RIA, ECLIA) and the LC-MS based assay LC-MS is considered the golden standard nowadays as it provides the highest specifici…