Journal of clinical pathology
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To determine the value of the red cell distribution width (RDW) and erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentration in discriminating between iron deficiency, and beta and alpha thalassaemia in a mixed urban Asian population. ⋯ Measurements of RDW and ZPP do not differentiate between alpha or beta thalassaemia trait and moderate degrees of iron deficiency (hypochromasia without anaemia). ZPP is a more accurate indicator of iron deficiency than RDW and concentrations above 150 mumol/mol haem strongly suggest iron deficiency, usually with anaemia, rather than thalassaemia.