system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 44-year-old male immigrant presents to his primary care physician for a new patient visit. The patient reports chronic fatigue but states that he otherwise feels well. His past medical history is not known, and he is not currently taking any medications. The patient admits to drinking 7 alcoholic beverages per day and smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day. His temperature is 99.4°F (37.4°C), blood pressure is 157/98 mmHg, pulse is 99/min, respirations are 18/min, and oxygen saturation is 100% on room air. Physical exam demonstrates mild pallor but is otherwise not remarkable. Laboratory studies are ordered as seen below.

Hemoglobin: 9 g/dL
Hematocrit: 33%
Leukocyte count: 6,500/mm^3 with normal differential
Platelet count: 190,000/mm^3
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 60 femtoliters
Free iron: 272 mcg/dL
Total iron binding capacity (TIBC): 175 mcg/dL
Ferritin: 526 ng/mL
Reticulocyte count: 2.8%

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
assistant
Beta-thalassemia