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Abstract
Background: To determine the reliability of
hematological indices and derived formulas in
diagnosing beta thalassemia trait.
Methods: In this observational cohort study,
patients diagnosed as beta thalassaemia minor were
included. All hematological indices were
recorded.Haemoglobin electrophoresis was
performed using capillarys 2 flex piercing system.
An HbA2 value > 3.5% was considered as a cut-off
point for beta-thalassemia trait. Fourteen
haematological indices were then applied according
to the formulae and cut off values. Percentage of
positive cases accurately identified along with the
mean, median and mode were calculated for each
discrimination index.
Results: The study cohort constituted of total 493
patients, out of which 246 (49.9%) were male and 247
(50.1%) were females. The mean age of all the
patients was 20.34 +12.835, with range of 6-50 years.
The mean haemoglobin level of all patients was
10.82+1.64 and ranged between 4.60 and 16.30. A red
blood cell count more than 4.9 X 10 12/l and a MCH
less that 25 pg were the most consistent findings.
Srivastava index was more near to predicting beta
thalassaemia minor .
Conclusion: Red cell indices and discrimination
factors have a potential utility in screening for β
thalassaemia trait , keeping in view their sensitivity
and specificity