ABSTRACT
Beta-thalassemia trait [beta-TT] and iron deficiency anemia [IDA] are the most common forms of microcytic anemia. Screening of beta-thalassemia trait is important for medical counseling before marriage and preventing beta-thalassemia major birth results. The most common problem in screening beta-TT is differentiating it from IDA. The aim of this study was to define the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of some discrimination indices for screening of beta-TT in a sample of such patients. A total of 82 patients with microcytic anemia [MCV< 80 fl] were selected from Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, and 9 discrimination indices were calculated for them. The patients were divided intotwo groups: 42 patients with beta-TT and 40 patients with IDA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and Youden,s index of each discrimination index were calculated for screening beta-TT. None of the discrimination indices showed 100% of sensitivity and specificity. But the Shin and Lal index, RDW index and RBC count showed the highest and valuable value for screening beta-TT. Some discrimination indices like Shin and Lal index, RDW index and RBC index are valuable indices in screening beta-TT