Haematological norms in Zambians with special reference to chemotherapy

Abstract

Haematological norms for Zambian men have been determined, 100 students being studied prospectively in the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, care was taken to identify and quantify observer error. It was found that routine laboratory results for platelet counts were consistently low, the magnitude of the error being - 30%. From 1972 - 1977 a measurable alteration has occurred in the variables. It was concluded that the norms for healthy Zambian men were, in round figures as follows: haemoglobin 15.0g% total white cell count 6,000/cmm; neutrophils 50%, lymphocytes 44%, absolute granulocyte count 3,000/cmm; platelet count 160,000/cmm. The reason for the neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia is obscure. For accurate work such as is required in tumour chemotherapy, special counts must be made, neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia being borne in mind.