[Rapid differential diagnosis of thalassemia trait and iron-deficiency anemia with stepwise regression analysis].

Objective: To establish a method for rapid differential diagnosis of thalassemia trait (TT) and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) using stepwise regression analysis.

Methods: Stepwise regression equation was established for differential diagnosis of TT and IDA according to the red cell index, and the accuracy of the differential diagnosis was evaluated using blind analysis.

Results: The accuracy of this equation for differential diagnosis of TT and IDA was 86.82%. The sensitivity, specificity and Youden's index in prediction of TT and IDA were 94.29%, 79.66%, 73.9 and 76.92%, 90.52%, and 67.4%, respectively.

Conclusion: The stepwise regression equation using the red cell index is concise, rapid, and sensitive in differential diagnosis of TT and IDA, and can be well applicable in clinical practice.