A special blood test can detect either haemoglobonopathy disorders or traits. All that is required is 4 ml of blood in EDTA (0.3-1 ml for infants). A GP or the nearest Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia centre can arrange this.
If a person falls into any of the following categories a haemoglobinopathy screen may be indicated:
If a person falls into any of the following categories a haemoglobinopathy screen may be indicated:
- is of a Minority Ethnic Group (Non Northern European origin/Ancestry)
- has a partner from a Minority Ethnic Group
- has a Family History of anaemia (unexplained)
- Haemoglobinopathy diagnosed/suspected in their partner
- is adopted.
GPs / HCPs should send off a blood sample requesting the following analysis:
3-4mls venous blood in EDTA marked for “Haemoglobinopathy screen”
- Full blood count
- Haemoglobin A2 quantitation (HbA2)
- Haemoglobin F quantitation (Hb F)
- Haemoglobin Electrophoresis
- Serum ferritin (may need separate sample)
