The Mentzer index, described in 1973 by Mentzer,[1] is said to be helpful in differentiating iron deficiency anemia from beta thalassemia.[2]

The index is calculated from the results of a complete blood count. If the quotient of the mean corpuscular volume (MCV, in fL) divided by the red blood cell count (RBC, in Millions per microLiter) is less than 13, thalassemia is said to be more likely. If the result is greater than 13, then iron-deficiency anemia is said to be more likely.[3]

To differentiate between Beta thalassemia and Iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia vs thalassemia

Es uno de los índices más comunes y utilizados sino el que más, para estudiar anemias y sobretodo guiar al médico en el estudio diferencial entre anemia por deficiencia de hierro y anemia por Talasemia

=MCV/RBCs

totally agree

Lots of thalassemia patients

exactly what I was looking for today in one of my top 3 medical apps on the iPhone.