Evaluation of the reticulated haemoglobin: a new parameter on the sysmex xe 2100 by comparison with bone marrow stores

Abstract

Aims A new parameter available on the Sysmex XE2100 automated analyser reticulated haemoglobin (ret Hb) measures the haemoglobin (Hb) content in reticulocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate if reticulated haemoglobin correlated with markers of iron stores. Methods We evaluated 104 bone marrow (BM) samples, performed as part of our routine haematology practice and assessed iron stores, independently by two investigators. Peripheral blood samples were obtained at the time of BM acquisition and evaluated for full blood count, iron studies, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and the ret Hb. Results Iron deficient bone marrow stores were identified in 23 of 104 patients (22.1%). Using receiving operator characterstic analysis the area under curve was 0.649 ± 0.0639 for ret Hb, 0.740 ± 0.071 for sTfR/log ferritin ratio and 0.658 ± 0.071 for MCV. The overall sensitivity and specificity for ret Hb was 78.3% and 51.9%, 68.4% and 74.4% respectively for StFr/log ferritin ratio and 65.2 and 69.1% for MCV. Conclusions The sTfR/log ferritin ratio was the most useful parameter for identifying iron deficient erythropoiesis. The overall sensitivity of ret Hb for iron deficiency was comparable to published results although the specificity was lower.