Use of RBC indices in identifying thalassemia
Table 1. Suggested formulas to distinguish beta-thalassemia trait (β-TT) from iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (adopted from Naizi et al. [3] and Jameel et al. [6])
Index | Formula | -TT | IDA |
---|---|---|---|
Red cell distribution width | RDW | <14 | <14 |
RDWI | MCV x RDW / RBC | <220 | <220 |
Mentzer | MCV / RBC | <13 | <13 |
England & Fraser | MCV - (5 x HGB) - RBC | <0 (neg) | <0 (pos) |
Srivastava | MCH / RBC | <3.8 | <3.8 |
Shine & Lal | MCV x MCV x MCH / 100 | <1530 | <1530 |
Green & King | MCV x MCV x RDW / (HGB x 100) | <72 | <72 |
Ricerca | RDW / RBC | <3.3 | <3.3 |
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Anemia can be caused by a range of conditions and symptoms. A complete blood count help identify the underlying cause.