Background: Hemoglobin E disease are the most common structural haemoglobinopathies, reaching its highest frequency in South East Asia and also prevalent in Bangladesh. There are very few data for effective screening of HB E trait. The aim of the study was to analyze hematological profile and RBC indices as a marker of screening for Hb E trait. Methodology:A cross sectional observational study was conducted among 150 subjects at Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital from December 2008 to November 2009. On the basis of Hb electrophoresis, all subjects were divided into three groups. Group I comprised of 50 subjects with Hb E trait, group II comprised 51 subjects with ß thalassemia trait and Group III comprised of 49 normal subjects. Result of RBC indices and blood count were compared between Hb E trait and normal study population. Results:In group I the mean age was 29.53 years and the age range was 2-47 years. In group II the mean age was 30.31 years and the range was 1-55 years. In group III the mean age was 21.81 years and the range was 1-52 years. The present study revealed the mean±SD haemoglobin level (g/dl) in group I (E trait) and group III (normal subjects) were 11.76±1.91 and 10.77±1.4 respectively. Statistically no significant difference was found between these 2 groups (P>.05). The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in mean±SD in group I and group III were 72.89±12.24 fl and 77.35±10.27 fl respectively. No statistical significance was found as P>0.05. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in group I were 24.84±2.71pg & 32.97±2.27 g/dl and in group III were 28.28±2.71 pg & 32.97±2.38 g/dl respectively. There were no significant difference between group I and III regarding MCH and MCHC.The mean RBC count in E trait and normal subject group were 5.01±71 million/cmm and 4.61±0.65 million/cmm respectively. There was no significant difference was found P>0.05. Mean red cell distribution width (RDW) in group I and III were 14.32 ±2.34 and 14.83±1.28 without any statistical difference (P>0.05) Conclusion: In our study there were no diagnostic significance of Blood count and RBC Indices for detection of Hb E trait. More study should be conducted to find out reliable marker of screening for Hb E carrier.Key Words: Hb E Disease, Hb E Trait. ß Thalassemia trait ABSTRACT including South East Asia². The hereditary disorder of haemoglobin usually present as either a reduced rate of production of one or more of the globin chain (thalassaemia) nor those in which there is

Background: Hemoglobin E B thalassemia is the commonest thalassemia syndrome in Bangladesh. All tests for diagnosis of Hb E trait are expensive,time consuming and require sophisticated equipment. The need therefore, is a simple,low cost ,rapid and reliable test which can be used for mass screening of E trait. The present study was designed to see the validity of DCIP test as screening test for detection of E Trait. Methodology: A cross sectional observational study was conducted at Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital from December 2008 to November 2009. Total 150 subjects attending Dhaka Shishu Hospital Thalassemia centre were selected and evaluated for Hb estimation, RBC indices, Hb Electrophoresis and DCIP test. According to electrophoresis results patients were divided into 3 groups. Group I comprised of 50 subjects with Hb E trait, group II comprised 51 subjects with ß thalassemia trait and Group III comprised of 49 normal subjects. In all 3 groups DCIP test was done and in positive cases, precipitated haemoglobin was visualized by naked eye at the bottom of the test tube. Negative samples with normal electrophoresis and ß thalassemia trait were used to see the samples gave false positive result. Results: The test successfully detected 48 subjects among total 50 subjects of E trait. DCIP sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were 96%,97%,94.12% and 97.97% respectively. Conclusion: DCIP has high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value. So, it might be considered as a valid single screening test to detect E Trait in areas with limited laboratory facilities and economic resources. AKMMC J 2020; 11(2) : 113-119