Thalassaemia trait versus iron deficiency in microcytosis
The Mentzer index divides the mean corpuscular volume by the red cell count to help separate beta-thalassaemia trait from iron deficiency in a child with microcytic anaemia. It is a screening aid, useful in settings where both conditions are common.
No. It is a discrimination aid that suggests which line of investigation to pursue. Confirmation needs iron studies or haemoglobin electrophoresis and HbA2.
Yes, and coexisting iron deficiency and thalassaemia trait is common in India. Combined disease blunts the index and can make it misleading.
It is less reliable in the first months of life, when red cell indices are changing physiologically.
Several exist, including the Green & King and Srivastava indices. None is reliable enough to replace confirmatory testing.