OBJECTIVES: We calculated central-95-interpercentile reference values for serum ferritin (SF). DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum samples were collected from the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES). After screening, we enrolled a total of 1,223 Chinese Han men between the ages of 20 and 69 years. SF values were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The two-sided 95-percentile reference values were calculated using both parametric and nonparametric statistical methods. RESULTS: SF values were distributed log-normally. The central-95-percentile reference values for SF were 88.2-771.7 μg/L (nonparametric) or 104.0-832.2 μg/L (parametric). Neither the non-smoking and smoking group (P=0.921) nor the non-drinking and drinking group (P=0.584) exhibited any difference in SF. Higher concentrations of SF were associated with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (r=0.266, P<10(-5)) but not with increasing age of the participants (P=0.808). CONCLUSION: The reference values for SF calculated in this study are higher than previously-reported reference levels.
OBJECTIVES: We calculated central-95-interpercentile reference values for serum ferritin (SF). DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum samples were collected from the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES). After screening, we enrolled a total of 1,223 Chinese Han men between the ages of 20 and 69 years. SF values were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The two-sided 95-percentile reference values were calculated using both parametric and nonparametric statistical methods. RESULTS: SF values were distributed log-normally. The central-95-percentile reference values for SF were 88.2-771.7 μg/L (nonparametric) or 104.0-832.2 μg/L (parametric). Neither the non-smoking and smoking group (P=0.921) nor the non-drinking and drinking group (P=0.584) exhibited any difference in SF. Higher concentrations of SF were associated with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (r=0.266, P<10(-5)) but not with increasing age of the participants (P=0.808). CONCLUSION: The reference values for SF calculated in this study are higher than previously-reported reference levels.