Diagnostic Utility of Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Equivalent in Iron-Deficiency Anemia: An Observational Study From Eastern India
Abstract
Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) continues to be a major global health concern, especially in India. Serum ferritin, a conventional marker for iron deficiency, is considered unreliable in inflammatory conditions. Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) reflects real-time iron availability for erythropoiesis and may overcome this limitation. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Ret-He and compare it with serum ferritin in detecting IDA in patients receiving treatment at an Eastern Indian tertiary care facility. Methods A hospital-based observational study was conducted at Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, from December 2023 to December 2024. Patients with anemia (hemoglobin
Fields of Study & Subjects
Iron Metabolism and Disorders
Hematological disorders and diagnostics
Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e101429–e101429
- Publication date
- 13 January 2026
- Language
- EN