Screening for thalassemia trait by electronic measurement of mean corpuscular volume.

Abstract

THALASSEMIAS are a group of hereditary blood conditions with clinical and genetic implications that occur frequently in Mediterranean ethnic groups. There have been few attempts to screen high-prevalence populations for thalassemia trait in the United States, and a major deterrent has been the lack of a reliable, inexpensive screening method. The studies described below indicate that electronic determination of red-cell mean corpuscular volume is a valid screening test for thalassemia trait.A comprehensive pilot screening program for thalassemia trait was offered to members of two Greek Orthodox churches, and to families of persons known to have thalassemia; 300 subjects were . . .