Ann Trop Paediatr
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Normal values for haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell counts and mean cell volume were serially electronically determined in a cohort of 99 healthy, normal fullterm Nigerian babies and infants from age 1 day-6 months. Mean values of haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red blood cell counts were lower at all ages than those established for caucasian infants at the corresponding ages although the pattern was similar in both races. Infant sex, method of delivery and the presence of haemoglobin S in the heterozygous form had no influence on the values of the red cell indices. Based on this study, it is recommended that separate levels of these haematological indices for the black neonates and infants should be adopted.