Abstract

To the Editor:

We appreciate the comments by Dr. Jolobe. We would point out that the aim of our study was not to identify the optimal peripheral blood test for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia; rather, our aim was to determine what diagnostic tests were done to further evaluate suspected iron deficiency anemia. Hence, although an interesting question, our experimental design really does not allow us to determine whether mean cell hemoglobin is a better diagnostic test for iron deficiency anemia than mean cell volume or other tests.