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The low mean cell volume in routine haematology
Abstract:
This study establishes the prevalence and distribution of an MCV less than 80 fl by review of the Coulter indices of 7887 samples. Retrospectively, 146 patients are studied and the relationships between the low MCV, film microscopy, iron status, and clinical diagnosis assessed. Plasma ferritin measured radioisotopically in 100 patients is compared to serum iron and iron binding capacity values and some of the problems of assessing iron stores are discussed. The discriminant formulae devised to differentiate between the microcytosis of thalassaemia trait and that or iron deficiency are found to be of limited value when applied to the red cell indices of a hospital population.
Insights
This study investigated low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in 7887 samples, finding discriminant formulae limited for differentiating microcytosis causes in hospital populations. Iron status assessment challenges were also discussed.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Microcytosis (low mean corpuscular volume, MCV) is a common finding.
- Differentiating causes like thalassemia trait and iron deficiency is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and distribution of low MCV (<80 fl).
- To assess the relationship between low MCV, blood film microscopy, iron status, and clinical diagnosis.
- To evaluate the utility of discriminant formulae in a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- Review of Coulter indices from 7887 samples.
- Retrospective analysis of 146 patients.
- Radioisotopic plasma ferritin measurement in 100 patients.
- Comparison of plasma ferritin with serum iron and iron-binding capacity.
Main Results:
- Prevalence and distribution of low MCV established.
- Relationships between low MCV, microscopy, iron status, and diagnosis explored.
- Challenges in assessing iron stores identified.
- Discriminant formulae showed limited value for differentiating microcytosis in this population.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the prevalence of low MCV and the complexities in diagnosing its causes.
- Existing formulae for differentiating microcytosis have limited applicability in general hospital populations.
- Further research may be needed to refine diagnostic approaches for microcytosis.