• C A Silagy, H H Salem, K Campion, J J McNeil, J Robert, G A Donnan, A M Tonkin, and B Worsam.
• Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Vic.
• Med. J. Aust. 1992 Jul 20; 157 (2): 96-100.

ObjectiveTo determine normal values for haematological parameters in healthy elderly persons, and document any changes in these over a 12 month period.DesignThe study was conducted as part of a randomised controlled trial of low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in the elderly. All participants (380) had a full blood examination performed at entry, which was repeated after 12 months. The baseline results for all patients and the 12 month findings in a cohort of 162 persons allocated placebo were used in the present study.SettingCommunity-based (general practices and residential retirement villages).SubjectsPersons aged 70 years and over (53% females) who were ambulatory, living independently, and volunteered to participate. None had significant vascular disease, peptic ulceration, haemorrhagic symptoms or were currently taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Main Outcome MeasuresFull blood examination (excluding white cell differential counts) performed with a Technicon H1 analyser.ResultsThe mean haemoglobin level +/- standard deviation (SD) was 14.69 +/- 1.10 g/dL (for men) and 13.72 +/- 1.05 g/dL (for women). Significant differences (P less than 0.001) in packed cell volume, red cell and platelet counts were observed between the two sexes. No clinically significant change was observed in any of the parameters over a 12 month period.ConclusionsHaematological reference values for healthy elderly Australians are consistent with normal values reported in younger populations for both sexes. As a result recommendations are provided for normal reference values among this group in an Australian setting.

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