Evaluation of the Mentzer index in the screening of minor Thalassemia

Abstract

About 7.5% of the population carrier ß -thalassemia geve in Sistan &Baluchestan province, indicating a high prevalence in this region. Several babies are born with severe thalassemia every year in this area, Requiring a considerable financial maintenance cost. To evaluate and set a simple valid index for mass screening of thalassemia, this cross- sectional analytical study was performed. Atotal of 2964 male students studying in final years of their secondary school located all over the province, were subjected to the CBC test in 1376 (1997), using culture counter. Those with MCV