Iron deficiency without anaemia--the M.C.H.C. in screening

In this study we were concerned with detecting iron deficiency without anaemia, using a laboratory index, the M.C.H.C. as a screening test. During a multiple screening survey we examined women who were not anaemic but who had low M.C.H.C. values, and compared them with control patients who had normal M.C.H.C.s and who were also not anaemic. Those with a low M.C.H.C. were significantly more likely to have latent iron deficiency than those with a normal M.C.H.C. The M.C.H.C. cannot be recommended as a screening test, however, because of poor sensitivity and specificity. Other authors have described symptoms accompanying iron deficiency without anaemia which improve when iron therapy is given. The clinician faced with a low M.C.H.C. value in screening work should keep the above information in mind and should remember that one in four of our non-anaemic patients with a low M.C.H.C. had latent iron deficiency. If we are going to concern ourselves with anticipating morbidity in population groups, then such simple information as the M.C.H.C. may have a proper place in a screening examination.