[The use of erythrocyte (RBC) indices in the differential diagnosis of microcytic anemias: is it an approach to be adopted?].

Objective: To evaluate prospectively RBC indices as a diagnostic tool at a high complexity general hospital.

Methods: We analyzed 2278 blood cell counts from the core laboratory of our service and we found 343(15%) microcytic anemias. Concomitant serum samples were found from 52 patients above 14 years-old, and ferritin measurement and hemoglobin electrophoresis were performed.