Information gained can be used to classify and schedule appropriate therapy for patients - administration of erythropoietin (EPO), or iron or both - thus maximising the benefits of this costly therapy
Sysmex UK has launched its Ret Master software for use with the XE 2100 automated haematology analyser.
This program expands the analyser's measurement of reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) to provide assessment of the haemoglobinisation of these cells, thus aiding the diagnosis and monitoring of functional iron deficiency (FID).
FID describes a state where the total iron content of the body is normal or even elevated, but the iron is 'locked away' and unavailable for the production of red blood cells.
This condition is observed mainly in patients with chronic renal failure who are on haemodialysis.
The Ret Master software provides assessment of the haemoglobin levels of the reticulocyte (Retic) populations using a parameter called Ret-He, which gives a readout of the reticulocyte haemoglobin equivalent in picograms (pg).
Ret-He is derived from the flow cytometric scattergram of fluorescently labelled reticulocytes plotted against their forward light scatter.
Recent papers show that Ret-He can be used in a diagnostic matrix alongside biochemical markers (the soluble transferrin receptor/log ferritin index) to differentiate between FID and other forms of iron deficiency (ID).
With this information patients with can be classified and scheduled for the appropriate therapy - administration of erythropoietin (EPO), or iron or both.
Ret-He can therefore help to reduce costs by identifying FID patients who will not respond to EPO therapy without additional support, thus maximising the benefits of this costly therapy.
It can also be used in other conditions such as the diagnosis of latent iron deficiency in pregnant woman and may provide an effective tool for the assessment of iron deficiency in various disease states.
