Reference values: Bhattacharya or the method proposed by the IFCC?

The Bhattacharya method was used to calculate reference values from unselected patient data. These values were compared with reference values obtained from data from a blood donor population group following the recommendations of the IFCC. Differences between the results could be attributed in part to different statistical methods, and in part to differences between populations. With some limitations, the Bhattacharya method can be of help in the determination of reference values and quality control.