Individual normal laboratory values. Preliminary observations.

Abstract

A brief and preliminary outline is given describing a consecutive and continuing study of laboratory blood values of only 12 of 48 "normal healthy" subjects with only a few values given. The major emphasis is that of obtaining blood from each subject over a 12-week period to be repeated annually in order to determine individual values and in obtaining a chemical identification of each subject with the anticipation that more information will be available concerning the meaning and limiting parameters of "normal" biologic values. Such a study is made available through the application of modern advances in automation and the wide use of computers. It seems likely that some disorders can be discovered before clinically apparent, with the hope that consequent preventive measures and therapy may be more effective. The few values presented represent only a small part of those yet to be obtained. Much more work is needed in this study of normal values whose parameters must be further defined.