The Mentzer formula is a commonly used calculation to help identify patients who may have thalassemia.
Mentzer formula =
= ((MCV) / (red blood cell count))
where:
• MCV is the mean corpuscular volume as measured in femtoliters
• The red blood cell count is the number of red blood cells per µL, divided by 10^6.
Interpretation:
• Iron deficiency is indicated by a value > 13.
• Thalassemia minor is indicated by a value < 13.
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,
