Predictive value of MCV/RBC count ratio to discriminate between iron deficiency anaemia and beta thalassaemia trait.

Two forms of hypochromic microcytic anaemia i.e. iron deficiency and beta-thalassaemia trait are common in our society. This study reports the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia and beta-thalassaemia trait and predictive value of MCV/RBC count ratio to discriminate between two.Venous blood was taken from 299 students of Karachi Medical & Dental College and Ziauddin Medical University in Na2 EDTA and analyzed by semi-automated Sysmex K-1000 haematology analyzer. MCV/RBC count ratio was used to discriminate between iron deficiency and beta-thalassaemia trait and > 14% was marked as iron deficiency. Hb electrophoresis was used as gold standard test for confirmation. Serum iron and TIBC was performed to confirm iron deficiency anaemia.Iron deficiency was found in 9% while beta-thalassaemia was seen in 3% students. MCV/RBC count ratio showed a positive predictive value of 91%.In areas where iron deficiency anaemia and beta-thalassaemia trait are common, MCV/RBC count ratio can be used to screen out beta-thalassaemia trait.