PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - S J Pocock
AU  - D Ashby
AU  - A G Shaper
AU  - M Walker
AU  - P M Broughton
TI  - Diurnal variations in serum biochemical and haematological measurements.
AID  - 10.1136/jcp.42.2.172
DP  - 1989 Feb 01
TA  - Journal of Clinical Pathology
PG  - 172--179
VI  - 42
IP  - 2
4099  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/42/2/172.short
4100  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/42/2/172.full
SO  - J Clin Pathol1989 Feb 01; 42
AB  - Twenty five biochemical and haematological measurements were determined on nonfasting blood and serum samples collected between 9 am and 7 pm from a representative group of 7685 British middle-aged men. Most measurements showed significant diurnal variations, but only for bilirubin, phosphate, and triglyceride did time of day account for more than 5% of the between subject variance. Serum bilirubin concentrations showed a pronounced downward trend in the afternoon, the mean value after 6 pm being 30% lower than the mean value in the morning. Mean serum triglyceride and phosphate concentrations increased steadily through the day. Mean concentrations of potassium, haemoglobin, and haematocrit and red cell count were higher in the morning, while urea and creatinine concentrations and white cell count had higher means in the afternoon. Glucose showed a pattern consistent with short term response to meals. The effects of these diurnal trends on routine use of biochemical tests needs careful consideration, and a greater understanding of their biological mechanisms is required.