The whole blood test of neonates provides much information with the interpretation changing according to the child's gestational age and birth weight. Reference values for this age can be hard to find as few studies have been made in this area in particular because of the difficulty in sampling and its implications for the newborn. This study compares the hematologic profile of neonates attended in a teaching hospital and compares the obtained values with reference ranges found in the literature. The results show significant differences compared to reference ranges found for many hematologic parameters, particularly related to the birth weight and gestational age of the newborns. This research demonstrates the importance of using different reference values for interpreting the whole blood test of neonates.
Blood cell count; infant, newborn; reference values
