Alpha-thalassaemia trait as a cause of unexplained microcytosis in a South African population.

Background: Red cell microcytosis is a common abnormality detected in a full blood count, which often prompts clinicians to investigate further for a cause. In the absence of iron deficiency and anaemia of chronic disease, the differential diagnosis includes β-thalassaemia trait and α-thalassaemia trait.

Methods: We investigated the contribution of α-thalassaemia trait in South African subjects with unexplained microcytosis.