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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that it needs $10 million annually to develop better PRIs.  ADLM, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital Association, and other stakeholders support this effort. 

The House and Senate are currently 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 they support providing the $10 million needed to start this initiative.