What lab results do you expect to see in thalassemia?

In thalassemia, one of the key laboratory findings is the presence of microcytic anemia, which is characterized by a decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV). This results from the abnormal production of hemoglobin due to mutations in the alpha or beta globin genes, leading to smaller red blood cells.

Additionally, in thalassemia, iron studies typically show normal total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and ferritin levels. Unlike iron deficiency anemia, where ferritin levels are low due to depleted iron stores, patients with thalassemia have normal or even increased ferritin levels as their body is often overloaded with iron due to ineffective erythropoiesis and repeated blood transfusions.

Thus, the expectation of decreased MCV coupled with normal TIBC and ferritin aligns with these pathophysiological characteristics of thalassemia, making this answer the most consistent with the expected laboratory findings in this condition.