Component Description
The objectives of this component are to:
1) Provide data for monitoring secular trends in measures of nutritional status in the U.S. population;
2) Evaluate the effect of people's habits and behaviors such as physical activity and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and dietary supplements on people's nutritional status; and
3) Evaluate the effect of changes in nutrition and public health policies - including welfare reform legislation, food fortification policy, and child nutrition programs - on the nutritional status of the U.S. population.
These data will be used to estimate deficiencies and toxicities of specific nutrients in the population and subgroups, to provide population reference data, and to estimate the contribution of diet, supplements, and other factors to Whole Blood levels of nutrients. Data will be used for research to further define nutrient requirements as well as optimal levels for disease prevention and health promotion.
Eligible Sample
Participants aged 1 year and over were tested.
Description of Laboratory Methodology
Blood specimens were measured at the NHANES MECs. Detailed specimen collection and processing instructions are discussed in the NHANES Laboratory/Medical Technologists Procedures Manual (LPM).
The methods used to derive CBC parameters are based on the Beckman Coulter method of counting and sizing, in combination with an automatic diluting and mixing device for sample processing, and a single beam photometer for hemoglobinometry. The WBC differential uses VCS technology. See Chapter 7 of the NHANES Laboratory/Medical Technologists Procedures Manual (LPM) for details.
The Beckman Coulter MAXM instrument in the Mobile Examination Centers (MECs) produces a complete blood count on blood specimens and provides a distribution of blood cells for all participants.
There were no changes to the lab methods, or lab site from the previous 2 years.
A detailed description of the laboratory method used can be found on the NHANES website.
Data Processing and Editing
Read the General Documentation on Laboratory Data file for detailed data processing and editing protocols. The analytical methods are described in the Description of the Laboratory Methodology section.
Five derived variables were created in this data file. The formula for their derivation is as follows:
LBDLYMNO = LBXWBCSI * LBXLYPCT/100 (round to 1 decimal)
LBDMONO = LBXWBCSI * LBXMOPCT/100 (round to 1 decimal)
LBDNENO = LBXWBCSI * LBXNEPCT /100 (round to 1 decimal)
LBDEONO = LBXWBCSI * LBXEOPCT/100 (round to 1 decimal)
LBDBANO = LBXWBCSI * LBXBAPCT/100 (round to 1 decimal)
Laboratory Quality Assurance and Monitoring
The NHANES quality control and quality assurance protocols (QA/QC) meet the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments mandates. Detailed quality control and quality assurance instructions are discussed in the NHANES LPM. Read the General Documentation on Laboratory Data file for detailed QA/QC protocols.
A detailed description of the quality assurance and quality control procedures can be found on the NHANES website.
Analytic Notes
The analysis of NHANES laboratory data must be conducted with the key survey design and basic demographic variables. The NHANES Household Questionnaire Data Files contain demographic data, health indicators, and other related information collected during household interviews. They also contain all survey design variables and sample weights for these age groups. The phlebotomy file includes auxiliary information such as the conditions precluding venipuncture. The household questionnaire and phlebotomy files may be linked to the laboratory data file using the unique survey participant identifier SEQN.
Exam sample weights should be used for analyses. Please refer to the NHANES Analytic Guidelines and the on-line NHANES Tutorial for further details on the use of sample weights and other analytic issues.