Reference Ranges for All: Implementing Reference Ranges for Transgender and Nonbinary Patients

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to highlight the necessity of developing and implementing appropriate reference ranges for transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) patient populations to minimize misinterpretation of laboratory results and ensure equitable health care.

Case Report We describe a situation where a TGNB patient's abnormal laboratory values were not flagged due to undefined reference ranges for gender “X” in the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Implementation of additional reference ranges mapped to sex label “X” showed significant improvement in flagging abnormal lab results, utilizing sex-invariant reporting as an interim solution while monitoring developments on TGNB-specific reference ranges.

Conclusion Informatics professionals should assess their institution's policies for registration and lab reporting on TGNB patients as nonimplementation poses significant patient safety risks. Best practices include using TGNB-specific reference ranges emerging in the literature, reporting both male and female reference ranges for clinical interpretation and sex-invariant reporting.

Keywords

transgender health - nonbinary - laboratory reference ranges - electronic health records - clinical informatics

Protection of Human Subjects

This study did not involve human subjects directly. The case report is based on anonymized data handled according to ethical standards concerning privacy rights.

Publication History

Received: 19 March 2024

Accepted: 02 September 2024

Article published online:
18 December 2024

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