Alpha-Thalassemia Test

This test characterizes six of the most frequently observed determinants of á-thalassemia. The mutations include Southeast Asian (--SEA), Thai (--THAI), Filipino (--FIL), Mediterranean (--MED), á3.7, and á4.2.
The test is designed for these six common mutations; other rare mutations are not tested.

Alpha-Thalassemia is the most common inherited disorder of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis in the world, with gene frequencies varying between 1% and 98% throughout the tropics and subtropics. a-thalassemia can occur in all ethnic groups but is more common in those of Southeast Asian descent. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends hemoglobinopathy screening for those of African, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean descent. More than 95% of recognized a-thalassemia involves deletion of one or both a-globin genes from chromosome 16p13.3.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Private MD Lab Services offers the following test for diagnosing alpha-thalassemia: