Is MCV normal in thalassemia?
The RDW is normal in patients with thalassemia and anemia of chronic disease but high in those with iron deficiency. The MCV is decreased in iron-deficiency anemia and in thalassemia minor and normal or decreased in chronic disease.
Is MCV high or low in thalassemia?
The blood count in β-thalassemia carriers shows low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and low mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH).
How do you test for alpha thalassemia minor?
If the doctor suspects alpha thalassemia, he or she will take a blood sample for testing. Blood tests can reveal red blood cells that are pale, varied in shape and size, or smaller than normal.
Does thalassemia minor affect ferritin levels?
In patients with minor thalassemia and non-transfusion-dependent hemoglobinopathy, the prevalence of iron deficiency is lower due to serum ferritin levels compared to the normal population. High and very high ferritin is more common in intermediate thalassemia and hemoglobin H and sickle cells.
Is thalassemia minor alpha or Beta?
If either the alpha or beta part is not made, there aren’t enough building blocks to make normal amounts of hemoglobin. Low alpha is called alpha thalassemia. Low beta is called beta thalassemia. When the words “trait,” “minor,” “intermedia,” or “major” are used, these words describe how severe the thalassemia is.
Is thalassemia minor alpha or beta?
What blood test shows alpha thalassemia?
The following blood tests are done to check for the condition and to tell if you are a carrier and can pass the disorder on to your children: Complete blood count (CBC). This test checks the size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a set volume of blood. Hemoglobin electrophoresis.
What blood tests detect thalassemia?
Doctors diagnose thalassemias using blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and special hemoglobin tests. A CBC measures the amount of hemoglobin and the different kinds of blood cells, such as red blood cells, in a sample of blood.
What happens if MCV count is high?
If someone has a high MCV level, their red blood cells are larger than usual, and they have macrocytic anemia. Macrocytosis occurs in people with an MCV level higher than 100 fl . Megaloblastic anemia is a type of macrocytic anemia.
What is the MCV level for thalassemia?
The MCV is usually less than 75 fl with thalassemia and rarely less than 80 fl in iron deficiency until the hematocrit is less than 30 percent. For children, the Mentzer index (MCV/red blood cell count) can help distinguish between iron deficiency and thalassemia.
What is the relationship between MCV and FEP in thalassemia?
The MCV is decreased in iron-deficiency anemia and in thalassemia minor and normal or decreased in chronic disease. The FEP is increased in iron-deficiency anemia and in chronic disease and normal in thalassemia.
What is the pathophysiology of alpha thalassemia?
Alpha thalassemia occurs when some or all of the 4 genes that make hemoglobin (the alpha-globin genes) are missing or damaged. There are 4 types of alpha thalassemia: Alpha thalassemia silent carrier. One gene is missing or damaged, and the other 3 are normal. Blood tests are usually normal.
How is thalassemia trait diagnosed?
Most persons with thalassemia trait are found incidentally when their complete blood count shows a mild microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia can be caused by iron deficiency, thalassemia, lead poisoning, sideroblastic anemia, or anemia of chronic disease.