The '''Mentzer index''' is used to differentiate Iron_deficiency_anemia from Beta_thalassemia. It is calculated from the results of a Complete_blood_count. If the Quotient of the Mean_corpuscular_volume divided by the Red_blood_cell count is less than 13, thalassemia is more likely. If the result is greater than 14, then iron-deficiency anemia is more likely. ==Reference== * Mentzer WC Jr. Differentiation of iron deficiency from thalassaemia trait. ''Lancet 1973;1(7808):882. PMID 4123424. Category:Eponymous_medical_signs