Screening of β-thalassaemia trait by means of red cell indices and derived formulae

Abstract

Context: Thalassaemias are a group of genetic disorders with tremendous morbidity and mortality that are present widely across the globe. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the usefulness of automated haematology analyser-based red cell indices and formulae derived from these indices in β-thalassaemia trait (BTT) detection. Settings and Design: Prospective study conducted over a period of 1 year. Materials and Methods: The study included 301 cases with mild-to-moderate reduction in haemoglobin (Hb) with a lower cut-off value of 8 g/dl. Automated haematology analysis was done by using an "Arcus Diatron" (2000) for all these cases. A cut-off value of mean cell volume (MCV) 3.5%). Indices like RDW, RDW with low MCV, MCH, RDWI and DS were found to have a better discriminating function (higher Youden′s index) compared with RBCC, MDHL and MI. Conclusion: Automated haematology analyser-based red cell indices and certain formulae derived from these indices have a high predictive value in screening BTT.

Keywords

• β-Thalassaemia trait
• haematology analyser
• HbA2
• HPLC
• iron deficiency anaemia