Mentzer index

The Mentzer index, described in 1973 by William C. Mentzer, is said to be helpful in differentiating iron deficiency anemia from beta thalassemia. The Mentzer index, described in 1973 by William C. Mentzer, is said to be helpful in differentiating iron deficiency anemia from beta thalassemia. The index is calculated from the results of a complete blood count. If the quotient of the mean corpuscular volume (MCV, in fL) divided by the red blood cell count (RBC, in Millions per microLiter) is less than 13, thalassemia is said to be more likely. If the result is greater than 13, then iron-deficiency anemia is said to be more likely.