Personalized blood test could improve early treatment of chronic diseases

A complete blood count (CBC) test is a standard medical exam that helps doctors evaluate a person’s overall health using a small blood sample. It is commonly ordered for healthy adults as part of routine health checkups.

This simple test measures various components of the blood, such as red and white blood cells and platelets, to detect signs of potential health problems.

Traditionally, CBC results are interpreted using general reference ranges that apply to most people. These ranges act as benchmarks to determine whether a person’s blood counts are normal or abnormal.

However, a new study led by researchers from Mass General Brigham has found that this one-size-fits-all approach might not work well for everyone.

The study suggests that CBC results are highly individual and that using personalized reference points could improve how doctors monitor health and detect diseases.

The research team conducted a retrospective analysis of CBC results from healthy individuals. They discovered that each person has unique “setpoints,” or stable blood count values that are specific to them.

These setpoints remain relatively constant over time in healthy people and can differ significantly from those of others. In fact, the study found that one person’s CBC setpoints could be distinguished from those of 98% of other healthy individuals. These findings were published in Nature.

Dr. John Higgins, the study’s senior author and a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlighted the importance of this discovery.

He explained that CBC results often vary widely between individuals, even when they are completely healthy. This means that personalized reference ranges could offer more accurate insights into a person’s health or potential illnesses.

The researchers noted that CBC levels are influenced by factors like genetics, age, and medical history. For example, a healthy person’s red blood cell count may naturally fall near the lower end of the traditional reference range, but this could still be normal for them.

Using personalized setpoints could help doctors detect early signs of health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems. Early detection of these conditions allows for quicker intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes.

The study also showed that these personalized setpoints could be as effective as other common screening tools for identifying disease risks.

For some conditions, using setpoints allowed for a two- to four-fold improvement in assessing a person’s likelihood of developing certain illnesses. This is similar to the level of risk prediction provided by traditional screening methods.

First author Brody H. Foy, now a faculty member at the University of Washington, emphasized that personalized CBC setpoints could also guide better treatment decisions.

For example, they could help determine whether additional diagnostic tests are needed or whether certain medical interventions should be prioritized. This individualized approach could make medical care more precise and efficient.

In summary, the study suggests that CBC results should not be interpreted solely based on standard reference ranges. Instead, a more personalized approach could improve health monitoring and early disease detection.

By focusing on an individual’s unique blood count setpoints, doctors may be able to provide better care and develop more targeted treatment plans. This research represents a significant step toward the broader goal of personalized medicine, where healthcare is tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

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The research findings can be found in Nature.