Many laboratories are unable to obtain sufficient pediatric samples to develop appropriate reference intervals.  To compensate, laboratories often must use residual or leftover blood samples from children to establish reference intervals for evaluating test values.  However, these specimens do not provide a normal range for a healthy patient population, as many of the children are ill or have symptoms of illness when their samples were drawn.  More accurate pediatric reference intervals (PRIs) are needed to better diagnose and treat children. 

Previously, ADLM with its partners were able to get Congress to include report language recommending that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) submit a plan to legislators on what resources the agency would need to start developing better PRIs.  The agency responded that they would need $10 million annually.  ADLM, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital Association, and other stakeholders have written to key legislators in support of this effort. 

The House and Senate are working on the fiscal year 2026 budget. The association urges you to send a pre-written e-letter to your elected official(s) requesting that he or she support providing the $10 million needed to start this initiative.