<prompt> A young female has the following lab values: Hemoglobin9.8 gm, MCV70, serum iron 50ugdl, serum ferritin 100ngdl, the diagnosis is?Thalassemia intermediaChronic iron deficiency anaemiaMegaloblastic anaemiaAnaemia of chronic infection  <response>: Interpretation of parameters provided in question: MCV Decreased N 80-100 fl Serum iron Lower range of normal N 50-150 ugdl Serum ferritin Normal N 50-300 ngml Hemoglobin Decreased N 14-16 gdl Diagnosis of Thalassemia intermedia is based on H.P.L.C Hemoglobin electrophoresis. Serum iron level is increased in Thalassemia because of increased intestinal absorption of iron and ongoing hemolysis. Hence choice A is ruled out. Due to low iron but normal ferritin iron deficiency is ruled out as serum ferritin is first to reduce in iron deficiency anemia. Choice B is ruled out. Since MCV is low it is a microcytic anemia. Choice C is ruled out. This is a likely case of anemia of chronic disease in which serum ferritin is normal to increased while the serum iron level is usually on the lower side. 