Diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia in hospital patients: Use of the reticulocyte haemoglobin content to differentiate iron deficiency anaemia from anaemia of chronic disease.

Elise Schapkaitz, Suvarna Buldeo, Johnny Ndoni Mahlangu

Journal: South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde 2016;106(1):53-4

PMID: 26792306

Abstract

The diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia in hospital patients with chronic infections and inflammation presents a challenge. Recently laboratory tests such as the reticulocyte haemoglobin content, which are independent of infection and inflammation, have become available for routine diagnostic use.

Address: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital National Health Laboratory Service Complex, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. [email protected].

DOI: 10.7196/SAMJ.2016.v106i1.9934

MeSH Terms: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency, Biomarkers, Chronic Disease, Diagnosis, Differential, Hematologic Tests, Hemoglobins, Humans, Inpatients, Reticulocytes