[Routine hematologic parameters for thalassemia screening].

Abstract

There is an evaluation of routine examination of the blood film for the recognition of Thalassaemia (Th.). The results of 100 blood films from each group--Th. major, Th. minor, healthy persons (centre for Thalassaemia "Bishop Makarios"/Nikosia--Cypros)-were analyzed. MCV and MCH were most useful for the recognition of Th. minor. The constellation of increased red blood cells and normal hemoglobin seems to be typical for Th. minor. Haemoglobin and haematocrit are not suited because they were widely normal. Target cells also are not sufficient for screening--they were present only in 10% of Th. minor. To the contrary most values were clearly decreased in Th. major, and target cells were present here in almost 90%.