Mentzer index

The Mentzer index is used to differentiate iron deficiency anemia from beta thalassemia. It is calculated from the results of a complete blood count. If the quotient of the mean corpuscular volume divided by the red blood cell count is less than 13, thalassemia is more likely. If the result is greater than 14, then iron-deficiency anemia is more likely.

Reference

 * Mentzer WC Jr. Differentiation of iron deficiency from thalassaemia trait. ''Lancet 1973;1(7808):882. PMID 4123424.