What blood test shows alpha thalassemia?
Diagnosis and Tests
Your healthcare provider may order various blood tests to diagnose thalassemia: A complete blood count (CBC) that includes measures of hemoglobin and the quantity (and size) of red blood cells. People with thalassemia have fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin than normal.
What is normal hemoglobin levels for thalassemia minor?
The Hb levels remain at 6-7 g/dl and the clinical symptoms are similar to thalassemia intermedia. Transfusions are not required unless infections precipitate further anemia. Iron overload may occur. – Severe HbE/beta-thalassemia: The Hb level can be as low as 4-5 g/dl.
How is alpha thalassemia minor 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:
- Complete blood count (CBC). This test checks the size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a set volume of blood.
- Hemoglobin electrophoresis.
- Ferritin.
- DNA testing.
How do you confirm alpha thalassemia trait?
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.
Can hemoglobin electrophoresis detect alpha thalassemia?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis will confirm the diagnosis of thalassemia and differentiate among clinically significant alpha thalassemia (HbH disease), beta thalassemia and combined hemoglobinopathies.
What does Hb electrophoresis test for?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis measures hemoglobin levels and looks for abnormal types of hemoglobin. It’s most often used to help diagnose anemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders.
Can thalassemia minor have iron deficiency?
29.67% females and 3.38% males are found to be iron deficient. Thus we can conclude that iron deficiency is one of the common co-existing conditions in β thalassemia minors.
What is alpha thalassemia minor?
Alpha thalassemia is a condition which affects the hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen through the body. Alpha thalassemia is found most often in people of Asian origin, but it also regularly appears in people of African ancestry.
How common is alpha thalassemia minor?
Alpha thalassemia is one of the most common blood disorders in the world. Anyone can have alpha thalassemia. Thousands of infants are born with alpha thalassemia trait or hemoglobin H disease each year, but it is most common in Southeast Asia.
How do you interpret Hb electrophoresis results?
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.
- HbC: Absent.
How can you tell the difference between major and minor thalassemia?
A person who has thalassemia trait may not have any symptoms at all or may have only mild anemia, while a person with thalassemia major may have severe symptoms and may need regular blood transfusions.
Does hemoglobin electrophoresis test for alpha thalassemia?
How do you read an Hb electrophoresis report?
Does thalassemia minor make you tired?
Since your body has fewer red blood cells when you have thalassemia, you may have symptoms of a low blood count, or anemia. When you have anemia, you might feel tired or weak. You might also experience: Dizziness.
What should I do if I have thalassemia minor?
If you have mild thalassemia, you might not need treatment. But more severe forms might require regular blood transfusions. You can take steps to cope with fatigue, such as choosing a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Can alpha thalassemia get worse?
Symptoms can worsen with fever. They can also get worse if you are exposed to certain medicines, chemicals, or infectious agents. Blood transfusions are often needed. You have a greater risk of having a child with alpha thalassemia major.
What is the normal range of electrophoresis?
Normal Results
Normal value ranges are: Total protein: 6.4 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 64 to 83 grams per liter (g/L) Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL or 35 to 50 g/L. Alpha-1 globulin: 0.1 to 0.3 g/dL or 1 to 3 g/L.
How can I check my thalassemia report?
If your doctor suspects your child has thalassemia, he or she can confirm a diagnosis with blood tests. Blood tests can reveal the number of red blood cells and abnormalities in size, shape or color. Blood tests can also be used for DNA analysis to look for mutated genes.
Is thalassemia minor serious?
Should I take iron if I have thalassemia minor?
If you have thalassemia trait, your physician may prescribe iron supplements because your red blood cells are smaller than is typical. Unless you also have iron deficiency in addition to thalassemia, this is not needed and should be avoided.
Which type of alpha thalassemia is not survivable?
Hydrops fetalis (alpha thalassemia major) is incompatible with life and requires identification in utero and in utero transfusions if the fetus is to survive and be born.
What foods are not good for thalassemia minor?
Fruits/Vegetables that should be avoided or eliminated from the diet:
- prune juice.
- prunes.
- watermelon.
- spinach.
- leafy green vegetables.
- dates.
- raisins.
- broccoli.
Is banana good for thalassemia minor?
Intake of foods rich in folic acid also helps alleviate the signs of thalassemia. Some such foods are lentils, egg yolk, dried beans, sweet potato, wholegrain bread, soya products, split peas, nuts, Brussel sprouts, bananas, and peaches, among others.
Is coffee good for thalassemia minor?
Coffee, tea and spices like oregano can decrease absorption of iron. Thalassemia patients can have tea and coffee in abundance. Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products can decrease absorption of iron the body. Prefer low-fat or skimmed milk in order to keep avoid weight gain.
What should not eat in thalassemia?
Foods to Avoid
- oysters.
- liver.
- pork.
- beans.
- beef.
- peanut butter.
- tofu.