<prompt> A 23 year old asymptomatic female pilot has MCV-70, FERRITIN-100gL Hb-10gm what is the causeThalassemia traitVit B12 deficiencyFolate deficiencyIron deficiency  <response>: Ref Harrison 19 th ed pg 638 b Thalassemia minor i.e., thalas- semia trait usually presents as profound microcytosis and hypochromia with tar- get cells, but only minimal or mild ane- mia. The mean corpuscular volume is rarely 75 fL; the hematocrit is rarely 30-33. Hemoglobin analysis classically reveals an elevated HbA2 3.5-7.5, but some forms are associated with normal HbA2 andor elevated HbF. Genetic counseling and patient education are essential. Patients with b thalassemia trait should be warned that their blood picture resembles iron deficiency and can be misdiagnosed. 