How is alpha thalassemia trait diagnosed?

How is alpha thalassemia trait diagnosed?

The following blood tests are done to check for the condition and to tell if you are a carrier and can pass the disorder on to your children:

1. Complete blood count (CBC). This test checks the size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a set volume of blood.
2. Hemoglobin electrophoresis.
3. Ferritin.
4. DNA testing.

Is there a genetic test for alpha thalassemia?

DNA testing is the only way to determine silent alpha thalassemia trait and the related hemoglobin trait called hemoglobin Constant Spring. DNA testing may also be necessary in order to allow for the option of prenatal testing.

Is thalassemia trait an autoimmune disease?

It was generally assumed that the β-thalassemia heterozygotes do not bear significant medical risks except a mild microcytic anemia. Nonetheless, increasing number of reports associate β-thalassemia trait with autoimmune conditions, nephritis, diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia and asthma.

What blood test shows alpha thalassemia?

Studies of iron will indicate whether the cause of the anemia is iron deficiency or thalassemia (iron deficiency is not the cause of anemia in people with thalassemias). Hemoglobin electrophoresis is used to diagnose beta thalassemia. Genetic testing is used to make a diagnosis of alpha thalassemia.

Can Hb electrophoresis detect alpha thalassemia?

Although hemoglobin electrophoresis is not sensitive enough to diagnose alpha thalassemia syndromes, it can be very useful in quantitating and identifying different hemoglobin types. Hemoglobin Bart’s is elevated at birth in patients with alpha thalassemia.

Is thalassemia trait a disability?

The RPWD Act 2016 has recognised persons with blood disorders (Thalassemia, Hemophilia and Sickle Cell Disease) as ‘persons with disabilities’ under the Act. Those with 40% and above disability will be given a Disability Certificate.

What kind of testing is needed for alpha thalassemia?

Occasionally, DNA testing that directly examines the alpha and/or beta globin genes is necessary. DNA testing is the only way to determine silent alpha thalassemia trait and the related hemoglobin trait called hemoglobin Constant Spring.

Are there any health problems with alpha thalassemia?

Alpha thalassemia trait normally does not cause any health problems. People with alpha thalassemia trait can have small red blood cells and a low red blood count (mild anemia). Alpha thalassemia should not be treated with iron. This treatment will not help people with alpha thalassemia trait.

How are alpha globin genes affected in alpha thalassemia?

Alpha thalassemia is a condition caused by having fewer alpha globin genes than normal. Normally, people have 4 genes for alpha globin. People with alpha thalassemia can be missing one (1), 2, 3, or 4 alpha globin genes. 1. People missing one (1) alpha globin gene (aa/a-) are called silent carriers of alpha thalassemia.

What happens if you are a silent carrier of alpha thalassemia?

Alpha thalassemia silent carrier. One gene is missing or damaged, and the other 3 are normal. Blood tests are usually normal. Your red blood cells may be smaller than normal. Being a silent carrier means you don’t have signs of the disease, but you can pass the damaged gene on to your child.