α⁰-Thalassemia Trait with Normal Red Cell Indices: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Thalassemia screening usually involves cut-off values based on a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of less than 80 fL or a mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) of less than 27 pg. These strategies are able to detect almost all heterozygous carriers of the α-thalassemia (α-thal) (– –^SEA) deletion in the Chinese population. However, an exception can occur. We describe an α⁰-thal trait with normal red cell indices in two Chinese individuals.

• Thalassemia screening
• Red cell indices
• Mean corpuscular volum (MCV)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
• Chinese