Reference intervals for serum albumin, total protein, and prealbumin in healthy children in Nanning, China

The diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of childhood diseases rely on accurately establishing reference intervals (RIs). The aim of this study was to determine the RIs of albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), and prealbumin (PA) in children in Nanning, China, according to age, gender, and ethnicity. A total of 4001 apparently healthy children aged 0 ~ 18 years from the Nanning area were included. The levels of serum ALB, TP, and PA were measured by an Architect C16000 automatic chemical analyzer. Non-parametric methods were used to determine the 2.5th and 97.5th percentile RIs. Serum TP and PA levels increased with age (p < 0.001), whereas serum ALB level had no correlation with age (p > 0.05). Gender and ethnicity statistical differences were presented in serum ALB and PA except serum TP. Serum levels of ALB and PA in males were higher than those in females (p < 0.001). Serum ALB and PA showed lower concentrations in Zhuang children as compared to Han children (p < 0.05). All verification groups passed the verification of the RIs. Age-, gender- and ethnicity-appropriate RIs for serum ALB, TP, and PA will provide a more accurate evaluation of pediatric-related diseases.