Low mean corpuscular volume: a useful diagnostic hematological parameter for detection of alpha-thalassemia at birth

Regional variations in the incidence of alpha -thalassaemia have been reported from Saudi Arabia. In a recent study, we observed that approximately 6-7% of the Saudi Arabia National Guard [SANG] newborn population had very low mean corpuscular volume [MCV] [100 fI]. The restriction analyses data showed that 28 of 31 [90%] with low MCV [