The Mentzer Index is particularly useful in distinguishing between iron deficiency anemia, which typically shows a higher index (>13), and beta-thalassemia trait, which usually presents a lower index (≤13). It is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and readily available tool in many clinical settings. Common FAQs What does a high Mentzer Index ... Use this calculator to estimate the likelihood of thalassemia based on MCV and RBC count. The Mentzer index is a ratio of MCV to RBC that can help distinguish thalassemia from iron deficiency anemia. Mentzer index was found to be more reliable to detect true positive cases for β thalassemia trait with a sensitivity of 93.75%, specificity of 92.73%. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anaemia and thalassemia with many overlapping features can be differentiated by few parameters blood indices like Mentzer index . Mentzer Index is a hematological tool used to help differentiate between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia trait (TT) when a patient presents with microcytic hypochromic anemia.
