Real-Life Math -- Solution
Your results show that the patient's MCV reading is 90. The
hemoglobin count is 9 and the red cell count is 5.
You are using a
formula called the discriminate function (DF). This formula tells you whether
a blood sample shows anemia or thalassemia.
The formula is:
DF=MCV
- [(hemoglobin count x 5) - the red blood count - K]
K is always
equal to 3.4.
If the DF is greater than 1, the patient is suffering
from iron deficiency.
If the DF is less than 1, the patient is suffering
from thalassemia.
DF = MCV - [(hemoglobin count x 5) - (the red
blood count - K)]
DF = 90 - [(9 x 5) - (5 - 3.4)]
DF
= 90 - [45 - 1.6]
DF = 90 - 43.4
DF = 46.6
DF
is greater than 1, therefore the patient has iron deficiency, or anemia.
"I
think that understanding the statistical needs of a project are critically
important, but I don't think you need to be a mathematician to be a good clinician-scientist,"
says Dr. Brian Rowe, a clinical research physician.
"In fact, part of
the value of a large center [is to collaborate] with a biostatistician, because
that is actually a refined, sophisticated area of expertise," says Rowe. "I
would say that you don't need to be a high-level mathematician to be successful
at clinical research. You need to know people who can help you do that work."