Ambayya et al reported a score for distinguishing alpha and beta thalassemia trait. The authors are from Hospital Ampang, UniversitiSains Malaysia, Gribbles Pathology Malaysia, Straits Scientific Malaysia and University of New Mexico.
Patient selection: thalassemia trait
Instrument: UnicelDxH 800 (Beckman Coulter)
Finding
Alpha Thalassemia
Beta Thalassemia
RDW in percent
< 15.85
> 15.85
MCH in pg
> 22.30
< 22.30
MCV in fL
> 70.80
< 70.80
microcytic anemia factor
> 8.95
< 8.95
lower median angle light scatter reticulocyte
< 109.5
> 109.5
score =
= ((lower median angle light scatter) * (RDW)) - MCH
Interpretation:
• If the score is < 1742.5 then the patient has alpha thalassemia trait.
• If the score is >1742.5 then the patient has beta thalassemia trait.
Performance:
• The area under the ROC curve for the score is 0.97.
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