What test could provide the differential diagnosis between beta thalassemia minor and iron deficiency?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is the test of choice for differentiating between beta thalassemia minor and iron deficiency. In beta thalassemia minor, there is a decrease in the beta-globin chain, leading to an increase in the alpha-globin chain. Iron deficiency, on the other hand, results in a decrease in both the alpha and beta chains. Hemoglobin electrophoresis can detect these changes in the globin chains and provide a diagnosis. PB smear and iron studies may provide some important data, but they cannot differentiate between these two conditions. Bone marrow aspirate is not necessary for this particular diagnosis.

What Test Could Provide the Differential Diagnosis Between Beta Thalassemia