Objective of the study to assess the Beta Thalassemia Trait and Iron Deficiency Anemia by using automated haematoanalyzer and HPLC– Variant II. Material and methods: A total 107 cases of infants and children aged (1 month to 18 years) of both sexes who presented with anemia and their peripheral blood film revealed microcytic and hypochromic red cell picture was included in this study. A study was done in the year 2013. A clinical history was taken regarding the progressive / persisting pallor symptoms. Basic hematological parameters were performed using an automated analyzer. Mentzer index (MCV/red blood cell count) was used to differentiate thalassemia trait from iron deficiency. Detailed picture of hemoglobin was obtained by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Results: It was observed that out of 107 cases 13 (12.1%) cases were found to be with β thalassemia trait, while 21 (19.6%) patients were with iron deficiency anemia.  However the MCV was slightly lower in traits than the iron deficient subjects. In a few selected cases Mentzer count ratio was counter checked which confirmed the patients with iron deficiency or thalassemia trait. 13 (Thirteen)  cases with higher mean Hb concentration, higher mean red blood cell count and low mean red cell indices were selected and run chromatographically.  All the cases showed a high HbA₂ with a mean value 5.4%. On the other hand the range and mean values of HbF and of HbA was in normal limit.

Conclusion: Percentage of children with beta thalassemia trait was less as compared to iron deficient children. However, thalassemia sustains affected children with blood transfusions. It is important to screen for beta thalassemia trait in the inhabitants to stop the propagation of the gene.