Iron deficiency anaemia is a serious maternal health issue during pregnancy

Background: Anaemia is commonly found in developing countries associated with nutritional deficiencies and multiple pregnancies. Iron Deficiency Anaemia in pregnancy is a risk for preterm delivery, low birth weight babies and adverse effects on infant development. The current study investigated frequency of iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassaemia trait during antenatal check up among pregnant women visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad

Objectives: To investigate iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassaemia trait among pregnant females visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad

Study design, settings and duration: The retrospective comparative study was done to investigate iron deficiency anemia among pregnant females visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad from May 2006 to April 2009

Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted at National Institute of Health [Department of Hematology] for Complete Blood Count and differential counts using Automated Hematology Analyzer [Sysmex KX-21]. Serum Ferritin levels were measured by Electro-chemiluminescence technique using Elcys Ferritin Kit [Roche, Germany]

Results: Among 359 subjects, 237 [66%] had iron deficiency anemia. The mean age was 27.32 +/- 4.9 years [range 18-50 years], 18 [5%] had beta thalassaemia trait and 104 [29%] had non-beta thalassaemia Trait. Forteen cases had concomitant iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia trait. The findings of this study indicate a relatively higher burden of iron deficiency anemia as compared to beta thalassemia trait

Conclusion: Anemia is a neglected problem which needs priority. Routine iron supplementation should be given to women of child bearing age during pregnancy and post partum. Obstetricians have an important role to aware the women of reproductive age about the iron content in a balanced diet and motivation for iron supplements

External quality assessment scheme [IEQAS] in hematology at national institute of health, Islamabad, Pakistan

To document overall performance and improvement, if any, gained through participation in an International External Quality Assessment Scheme [IEQAS]. Descriptive study. The Haematology Department, Public Health Laboratories Division, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 1996 to December 2006. Overall performance of blood parameters and parasite identification were analysed. Individual values were assessed against consensus value [mean +/- SD] and deviation index [DI] from the mean, whereas coefficients of variation [CV] were calculated for years 1996 to 2006. The results are expressed as percentage of accurate versus inaccurate results, deviation index [DI] and coefficient of variation [%CV]. The laboratory achieved 87.74% of values within acceptable limits for haemoglobin, 72.03% for white blood count, 69.49% for platelet and 77.03% for reticulocyte estimation. Results were satisfactory, having DI values less than 3 for all four parameters.%CV values was found to be dependent on the type of test performed and varied among different parameters. Difficulty has been observed in identifying Plasmodium malariae and ovale. Participation in External Quality Assessment Schemes is extremely beneficial for the improvement of laboratory performance and quality of care. Evaluation of the survey results on a regular basis serves as a useful guide to assess overall performance of the laboratory. Standardization of analytical procedures, equipments and reagents, continuous monitoring of personnel competency and thorough investigation of discordant results significantly contributes to the delivery of quality diagnostic services