Fig. 1. Flow chart for defining of BTT and IDA and the number of cases in the study. Samples with normal serum ferritin and distinct HbA2 band on electrophoresis were defined as having BTT. Samples with serum ferritin below 15 ng/mL were defined as having IDA [10]. Abbreviations: BTT, beta thalassemia trait; IDA, iron-deficiency anemia; MCH, mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCV, mean corpuscular volume.

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