Landmark Medical Study
TRAILBLAZERS: Researchers from the Obesity and Chronic Disease of Lifestyle Research Unit are set to make medical history
Monday, 22 October 2012
Researchers from CPUT’s Obesity and Chronic Disease of Lifestyle Research Unit are participating in a landmark medical study.
The study will explore reference ranges, which are sets of values used by healthcare professionals to interpret medical test results from blood samples.
Head of the unit, Prof Tandi Matsha says current reference ranges have been derived from non-local populations, whose characteristics are very different from those living on the African continent.
Matsha says the study, which is the first of its kind, will aim to establish reference ranges or normal values that are based on the local population.
“Reference ranges are the most widely used medical decision-making tool. However, the lack of reference values impacts on patient management,” she says.
The reference ranges currently used in the medical sector are those that are based on the American and European communities.
Matsha says this is a global initiative and will see researchers in other countries, such as Japan, participate in the study. However, the Bellville bases unit will focus on South Africa and also work closely with partners in Kenya and Nigeria.
Closer-to-home collaborators include the University of Stellenbosch and Pathcare. A CPUT student, Francious Smit will also complete his doctoral study based on this project.
Matsha says the unit is currently recruiting individuals who would like to participate in the study, which kicks off this week.
To be part of this landmark study, participants should be older than 18 and meet various other criteria. For more click here.
By Candes Keating
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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