What is thalassemia blood test?

Doctors diagnose thalassemias using blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and special hemoglobin tests. A CBC measures the amount of hemoglobin and the different kinds of blood cells, such as red blood cells, in a sample of blood.

What happens beta thalassemia?

Beta thalassemia major causes major problems and can result in early death. Complications may include delayed growth, bone problems causing facial changes, liver and gall bladder problems, enlarged spleen, enlarged kidneys, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and heart problems.

How is thalassemia calculated?

The index is calculated from the results of a complete blood count. If the quotient of the mean corpuscular volume (MCV, in fL) divided by the red blood cell count (RBC, in Millions per microLiter) is less than 13, thalassemia is said to be more likely.

At what age is thalassemia detected?

Most children with moderate to severe thalassemia receive a diagnosis by the time they are 2 years old. People with no symptoms may not realize that they are carriers until they have a child with thalassemia. Blood tests can detect if a person is a carrier or if they have thalassemia.

How do you test for beta thalassemia trait?

Special blood tests called hemoglobin electrophoresis and quantitation of hemoglobin A2 and hemoglobin F are a reliable way of determining whether or not a person has the trait for beta thalassemia (beta thalassemia minor). These blood tests are available at most large hospitals and clinics.

What does a CBC look like with thalassemia?

A complete blood count (CBC), which includes measures of hemoglobin and the quantity (and size) of red blood cells. People with thalassemias have fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin than normal; those with alpha or beta thalassemia trait may have smaller-than-normal red blood cells.

What is the hemoglobin level for thalassemia?

Thalassemia major is characterized by reduced Hb level (<7 g/dl), mean corpuscolar volume (MCV) > 50 < 70 fl and mean corpuscolar Hb (MCH) > 12< 20 pg. Thalassemia intermedia is characterized by Hb level between 7 and 10 g/dl, MCV between 50 and 80 fl and MCH between 16 and 24 pg.

What is a normal hemoglobin electrophoresis?

Normal Results HbA: 95\% to 98\% (0.95 to 0.98) HbA2: 2\% to 3\% (0.02 to 0.03) HbE: Absent. HbF: 0.8\% to 2\% (0.008 to 0.02) HbS: Absent.

What is electrophoresis used for?

Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge. An electric current is used to move molecules to be separated through a gel.