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

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2016.v106i1.9934

In Practice

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

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.

Authors' affiliations

Elise Schapkaitz, 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

Suvarna Buldeo, Department of Haematology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa

Johnny Ndoni Mahlangu, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bleeding Disorders Unit, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa