However, this has been shown to have a low specificity for accurately identifying severe anaemia (Hb < 50 g/l).14 In a subanalysis of a trial recruiting children with impaired perfusion, 381/501 (77%) of children with Hb 50–70 g/l (moderate anaemia) and 167/843 (20%) who had Hb 70–100 g/l (mild anaemia) had clinician-recorded severe pallor on clinical examination.7 Thus, the clinical utility of pallor as a screening test for suspected anaemia therefore seems more relevant to community assessment and pre-referral.15,16. Here, GSTM1 is linked to anemia.