Normal Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Values for an 11-Year-Old
These laboratory values are completely normal for an 11-year-old child. The RBC count of 5.15 ×10⁶/µL, hemoglobin of 142 g/L (14.2 g/dL), and hematocrit of 0.428 (42.8%) all fall well within expected reference ranges for this age group.
Age-Specific Reference Values
For school-age children (6-11 years), mean hemoglobin values range from 12.4-13.2 g/dL (123.7-131.8 g/L). 1 The reported hemoglobin of 14.2 g/dL exceeds the mean range, placing this child in a healthy, robust position on the reference curve. 1
- The hematocrit of 42.8% is proportionate to the hemoglobin level and demonstrates normal red blood cell concentration 2
- The RBC count of 5.15 ×10⁶/µL is within normal limits for this age group 3
Clinical Context and Interpretation
No further evaluation or intervention is needed based on these values alone. These parameters indicate:
- Adequate oxygen-carrying capacity: The hemoglobin level is well above the anemia screening threshold of 11.0 g/dL used by the CDC for children 1
- No evidence of anemia: Values are substantially higher than diagnostic thresholds for iron deficiency or other nutritional anemias 1
- Normal erythropoiesis: The RBC count and hemoglobin relationship suggests appropriate red blood cell production 3
Important Caveats
Consider altitude adjustment if applicable. If this child lives at significant elevation, hemoglobin values naturally increase by approximately 0.2 g/dL per 1,000 meters above sea level, though this would only make the values appear even more robust. 1
Race-specific considerations exist but do not apply here. African-American children typically have hemoglobin concentrations 0.5-0.9 g/dL lower than other racial groups, but this child's values are well above any race-adjusted thresholds. 1
Clinical assessment supersedes laboratory values. While these numbers are reassuring, any concerning symptoms (fatigue, pallor, exercise intolerance) would warrant further evaluation regardless of normal CBC parameters. 1