Srivastava Index (Thalassemia vs Iron Deficiency)
Srivastava index: MCH / RBC; a value below ~3.8 favors beta-thalassemia trait over iron-deficiency anemia.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- MCH
- 20 pg
- RBC count
- 5.5 ×10¹²/L
Result: Srivastava index 3.6 — favors beta-thalassemia trait (cutoff 3.8).
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- < 3.8
- Favors beta-thalassemia trait.
- > 3.8
- Favors iron-deficiency anemia. Index = MCH / RBC. A screen, not a diagnosis — confirm with electrophoresis and iron studies.
What you enter
- MCH
- RBC count
How this is calculated
Srivastava PC, Bevington JM. Iron deficiency and/or thalassaemia trait. Lancet. 1973;1(7807):832. Srivastava PC. Differentiation of thalassaemia minor from iron deficiency. Lancet. 1973;2(7821):154-155. Read the sources: Srivastava 1973 (Apr) ↗, Srivastava 1973 (Jul) ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.