HGB, HCT, WBC and differential were measured in both the discovery data sets (S9 and S16 Tables) and a subset of the TOPMed freeze 5b samples (S10 and S17 Tables) using automated clinical hematology analyzers. Prior to association analyses, we excluded extreme outlier values, notably WBC values >200x109/L (as well as WBC subtype count values in these individuals), HCT >60%, and HGB >20g/dL. For longitudinal cohort studies, all values are from the same exam cycle, chosen based on largest available sample size. WBC traits were log transformed due to their skewed distribution. For all traits, we first derived trait residuals adjusting for age, age squared, sex, and principal components/study specific covariates as needed. Trait residuals were then inverse-normalized prior to analysis.
