Ret He & IRF in IDA diagnosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reticulocyte Haemoglobin Equivalent and Immature Reticulocyte Fraction as diagnostic parameters of Iron deficiency anaemia
IRAS ID
262449
Contact name
Laura Ahmed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
The current diagnostic criteria for Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) in Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust's anaemia pathway currently includes a Full Blood Count (FBC) and Haematinics screen, including Ferritin, Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Transferrin, Percentage Iron Saturations, B12 and Folate levels. However some of these parameters are affected by inflammation making differentiation between IDA and anaemia of chronic disease more challenging.
Two parameters: The Reticulocyte Haemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) and the Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) currently analysed but not reported as part of the Reticulocyte profile, are believed to be linked with early diagnosis of IDA. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (RBCs) that have just been released from the bone marrow, therefore these tests allow an up to date assessment of the body's iron stores available for RBC production.
Approximately 400 surplus blood samples from patients already identified as having Iron deficiency (ID), IDA, B12 or Folate deficiency, anaemia of chronic disease, or have a normal haematinics profile defined by the current diagnostic criteria will be used for the study.
The addition of a Reticulocyte profile including the Ret-He & IRF to the current diagnostic criteria used by the clinicians could lead to earlier identification of IDA. This will greatly improve patient care and management of anaemia. Early treatment with oral or IV Iron, prior to patients becoming symptomatic could reduce the number of unscheduled hospital admissions and the requirement for blood transfusions to stabilise patients.
The study will be conducted on an NHS site and samples processed within the Haematology department of the Pathology Laboratory, with an anticipated time scale of 6-8 weeks. No additional costs will be incurred for completion of the study as the test profile is currently in routine use.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0471
Date of REC Opinion
19 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion