Related Experiment Videos
'NESTROFT'--an effective screening test for beta thalassemia trait
M Manglani1, M R Lokeshwar, V G Vani
1Department of Pediatrics, L.T.M.M. College, Sion, Mumbai.
Indian Pediatrics
|August 1, 1997
Summary
The Naked Eye Single Tube Red Cell Osmotic Fragility Test (NESTROFT) is a sensitive and cost-effective screening tool for beta-thalassemia trait detection. It outperforms other individual tests and is reliable for population screening.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Beta-thalassemia trait is a common inherited blood disorder.
- Accurate and cost-effective screening is crucial for early detection and management.
- Existing screening methods have limitations in sensitivity and cost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of NESTROFT as a screening tool for beta-thalassemia trait.
- To compare NESTROFT with other hematological parameters for screening accuracy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 2525 subjects screened in field camps.
- NESTROFT, complete hemogram, red cell indices, Mentzer's Fraction (MF), and discriminant functions (DF) were performed.
- HbA2 levels were measured in a subset to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.
Main Results:
- NESTROFT demonstrated high sensitivity (94.4%) and was superior to individual parameters.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) < 80 fl showed comparable sensitivity (93.7%).
- Combining NESTROFT with MCV < 80 fl achieved 100% sensitivity but was not cost-effective.
Conclusions:
- NESTROFT is a sensitive, cost-effective, rapid, and reliable screening test for beta-thalassemia trait.
- It is suitable for population-based screening programs.
- NESTROFT offers a valuable tool for early identification of individuals with beta-thalassemia trait.