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Abstract

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of discriminant functions (DF) in differentiating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from beta thalassemia trait (BTT).
Methodology: A comparative cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at The CITI Lab, Rawalpindi. A total of 1538 patients from August 2023 to March 2025 were assessed after taking relevant history. Blood samples were assayed for complete blood count (CBC), Hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis and Serum ferritin. CBC was run within 6 hours on automated hematology analyzer Beckman Coulter unicel DxH 800. Hb electrophoresis was done on Sebia Capillary 2 Flex- piercing (Sebia capillary electrophoresis system). Serum ferritin estimation was done on Architect i1000 SR immunoassay analyzer.
RESULTS: The best DF were Hisham and Wongprachum indices with Youden index values of 50.2% and significant differences were observed in all CBC parameters except MCHC between BTT and IDA patients (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: The Hisham and Wongprachum indices showed the best performance in differentiating IDA from BTT and thus can be used for screening to improve diagnosis.
Keywords: Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia, Differential Diagnosis, Iron deficiency anemia, Thalassemia Trait