How can you tell the difference between iron deficiency and thalassemia?

How can you tell the difference between iron deficiency and thalassemia?

Distinguishing Iron Deficiency Anemia From Thalassemia Trait The first difference is in the red blood cell count (labeled RBC). In iron deficiency, this value is low because the bone marrow is unable to manufacture red blood cells. In thalassemia trait, RBC is normal to elevated.

Does thalassemia cause iron deficiency?

It has long been considered that iron deficiency does not exist in thalassemia syndromes, including thalassemia major as well as trait. However, studies have shown the occurrence of iron deficiency in patients with beta thalassemia trait (BTT).

Can thalassemia patients take iron?

People with thalassaemia may be advised to avoid iron supplements because they are at risk of iron overload. Carriers of the thalassaemia gene may be asymptomatic but pregnancy can precipitate anaemia and there is a chance that this may be inappropriately treated with iron replacement.

Which blood index is most reliable?

Results. The Mentzer index was the most reliable index, as it had the highest sensitivity (98.7%), specificity (82.3%), and Youden’s index (81%) for detecting β-TT; this was followed by the Ehsani index (94.8%, 73.5%, and 68.3%, resp.) and RBC count (94.8%, 70.5%, and 65.3%).

What is Sehgal index?

Sehgal index is a new index used in this study, and it was calculated as follows – Sehgal index = MCV × MCV/RBC. Results. We evaluated 1022 cases and 973 cases of suspected hemoglobinopathies in Phase 1 and Phase 2, respectively.

What is Bloodice test?

Red blood cell (RBC) indices are part of the complete blood count (CBC) test. They are used to help diagnose the cause of anemia, a condition in which there are too few red blood cells. The indices include: Average red blood cell size (MCV) Hemoglobin amount per red blood cell (MCH)

How accurate is Mentzer index?

Diagnostic test analysis revealed a sensitivity of93%, specificity 84 %, and accuracy 90%. Conclusion Mentzer index has good validity as an inexpensive and simple screen for IDA in 6-12-year-old children with hypochromic-microcytic anemia.