Hematology
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Comparative Study
Usefulness of red blood cell flags in diagnosing and differentiating thalassemia trait from iron-deficiency anemia.
Thalassemia trait (THA) is an important differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The red cell distribution width (RDW) is usually elevated in IDA, but often is normal in THA. ⋯ We conclude that RCF findings are sensitive and specific enough to be used as an approach in differentiating iron deficiency anemia from beta-thalassemia trait.