Which would you expect to see on a blood smear for beta thalassemia?
Diagnosis/testing: The diagnosis of β-thalassemia relies on measuring red blood cell indices that reveal microcytic hypochromic anemia, nucleated red blood cells on peripheral blood smear, hemoglobin analysis that reveals decreased amounts of HbA and increased amounts of hemoglobin F (HbF) after age 12 months, and the …
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 is beta thalassemia screening?
For beta thalassemia, the hemoglobin beta gene, HBB, may be analyzed or sequenced to confirm the presence of thalassemia-causing mutations. Genetic tests may also be given for other HBB mutations such as Hb S mutation, which is associated with sickle cell disease.
What blood tests detect thalassemia?
Moderate and severe thalassemias are often diagnosed in childhood because symptoms usually appear during the first 2 years of a child’s life. Various blood tests are used to diagnose thalassemias: A complete blood count (CBC), which includes measures of hemoglobin and the quantity (and size) of red blood cells.
How do I know if I have CBC thalassemia?
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.
- Hemoglobin tests measure the types of hemoglobin in a blood sample.
How is beta thalassemia minor treated?
Treatment may include:
- Regular blood transfusions.
- Medicines to reduce extra iron from your body (called iron chelation therapy)
- Surgery to remove the spleen, if needed.
- Daily folic acid.
- Surgery to remove the gallbladder.
- Regular checks of heart and liver function.
- Genetic tests.
- Bone marrow transplant.