Haemogram indices of medical students in Karachi

Background: Anaemia is a global public health problem. Prevalence of deficiency anaemias in healthy teenage population can be an important indicator of general nutritional status. The aim of this study was to assess haemogram values of medical students in Karachi and correlate it with WHO parameters. Material & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 on 518 apparently healthy subjects of both genders, who presented for fitness test prior to admission in medical college. Anti-coagulated whole blood samples were collected and tested on automated haematology cell counter and an 18 parameter haemogram was obtained. Peripheral smear was prepared using Leishman’s stain. Results: The mean age was 18.1 years with male to female ratio of 1:3. The mean haemoglobin was 14.7 g/ dl in males and 12.8 g/dl in females. Mean MCV 83.3 fl in males and 82.4 fL in females. Mean MCHC 33.4 g/dl in both genders. Mean platelet count 247.4x109/l in males while 289.6x109/l in females.. Normochromic-normocytic morphology was found in 478(92.2%), hypochromia with aniso and poikilocytosis in 38(7.3%) and macrocytosis in 2(0.4%) persons. These frequencies were consistent to WHO reference ranges. Conclusion: The blood indices of medical students fall within the specified range as set by WHO parameters.