Reset blood test reference values to suit Indian conditions: Scientist

IANS May 12, 2025 305 views

A prominent Indian scientist is challenging traditional medical diagnostic approaches by advocating for population-specific blood test reference ranges. Dr. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam argues that genetic, dietary, and environmental differences significantly impact health biomarkers. His research at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics emphasizes the importance of understanding mitochondrial function and epigenetics. This groundbreaking perspective could revolutionize how medical professionals interpret diagnostic tests for the Indian population.

"Genetic, dietary, and environmental differences can alter biomarkers" - Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam
Thiruvananthapuram, May 12: A leading scientist in the field of metabolism and aging has emphasised the need for re-optimising the standard reference ranges for blood parameters to align them with Indian conditions, instead of following the values set for western population.

Key Points

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Scientist highlights need for India-specific medical diagnostic benchmarks

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Mitochondrial function and epigenetics crucial in health understanding

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Research challenges western medical reference standards

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Interdisciplinary approach to understanding metabolic variations

"While blood parameters are fundamental to diagnosing metabolic disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, emerging research underscores that many standard reference ranges may need to be re-optimised for Indian population," said Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam, Director, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD), Hyderabad, on Monday.

Delivering the National Technology Day, 2025, lecture at the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) here, he said in India reference values used in laboratories have been established based on the values from western population.

"Genetic, dietary, and environmental differences can alter biomarkers, besides life-history trajectories. Cutting-edge research is uncovering how acute and chronic dietary changes influence health at the most fundamental level -- through mitochondrial function and epigenetic regulation," Seetharam added.

Now on deputation from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, to CDFD, Seetharam has made seminal contributions to understanding how mitochondrial function, epigenetics, and nutrition intersect to shape health span.

He also established The Advanced Research Unit on Metabolism, Development and Aging (ARUMDA) at TIFR, a pioneering initiative addressing India's "Double and Triple Burdens of Malnutrition, Non-communicable Diseases and Aging" through interdisciplinary research.

Presiding over the function, Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, BRIC-RGCB, said it was significant that the theme for the National Technology Day this year is "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat".

At present, a great emphasis has been given on domains like research, entrepreneurship and skill development through research, Narayana added.

RGCB is at the forefront to foster an ecosystem for young researchers and entrepreneurs for making groundbreaking discoveries and the latest advancement in technologies, he said.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Finally someone said it! My reports always show borderline values but I feel perfectly healthy. Our vegetarian diets and tropical climate must affect these parameters differently than Western meat-heavy diets. Hope this research gets implemented soon. 🙏
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Rahul S.
This is long overdue. My father was unnecessarily worried when his cholesterol levels were "high" as per current standards, but our family doctor explained Indians have different baselines. Standardization will prevent such anxiety and overtreatment.
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Ananya M.
While the idea makes sense, I hope they don't use this to justify unhealthy lifestyles. Just because our baselines may differ doesn't mean we should ignore warnings about diabetes and heart disease risks that are rising in India.
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Vikram J.
Great initiative! But will our overburdened healthcare system be able to implement new reference ranges across thousands of labs? The government must provide proper guidelines and training to pathologists nationwide.
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Sunita P.
As someone who worked in a diagnostic lab, I can confirm we blindly follow Western standards. Even regional variations within India need study - a Kashmiri and Keralite may have different baselines due to climate and diet differences!
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Karthik R.
This research could revolutionize preventive healthcare in India. But please don't make it another "paper publication" - we need actual policy changes and awareness campaigns so doctors and patients understand the new standards.

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Tags:
Blood Tests Indian Health Research Ullas Kolthur Medical Innovation Metabolism Diagnostic Standards