What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're trying to find out whether you carry a genetic change linked to alpha thalassemia, a blood condition that runs in families. It's especially useful if a routine blood test showed unusual red blood cell results, or if you and your partner are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and want to understand your risk of passing this condition to a child. It helps confirm or rule out alpha thalassemia trait or disease so you can make informed family planning decisions.

What's included in this test?

This test looks specifically at the alpha globin genes to identify the most common types of deletions that cause alpha thalassemia trait or disease. Checking for these specific deletions matters because they explain the vast majority of alpha thalassemia cases, making this a reliable first step before more advanced testing is needed. Knowing which deletions you carry, if any, helps clarify your own health picture and your risk of passing the condition to children.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative finding means for the alpha globin gene deletions checked. If a deletion is found, a practical next step is genetic counseling and testing your partner if you're planning a pregnancy, since combined results affect risk to a child. Your standard lab report can be downloaded anytime from your account, and because this is a one-time genetic result, tracking it over time isn't necessary the way it is for other lab values.

How can I naturally support healthy red blood cell production?

While a genetic deletion itself can't be changed through lifestyle, you can support overall red blood cell health with iron-rich foods, vitamin B12, and folate from sources like leafy greens, beans, and lean meats. Staying well hydrated and avoiding excess alcohol also helps your body produce healthy blood cells. If you already know you carry alpha thalassemia trait, avoid taking extra iron supplements unless it's confirmed you actually need them, since iron overload can be a separate concern.

When will I get my results?

Results from this genetic test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. This turnaround gives enough time for the detailed genetic analysis needed to accurately identify the specific alpha globin deletions being checked. You'll be notified as soon as your results are available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone who has had an abnormal red blood cell finding on a routine blood count and hemoglobin evaluation, since that can be an early clue to alpha thalassemia. It's also strongly recommended for couples who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have been flagged as at risk based on prior blood work. People with a family history of thalassemia may also want this test for peace of mind or family planning purposes.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Alpha thalassemia trait often causes no symptoms at all, which is why it's usually picked up through a routine blood test rather than how you feel. Some people with more significant forms may notice mild fatigue, pale skin, or generally feel low on energy, which can point to low-level anemia. If your prior blood work showed smaller-than-normal red blood cells or unusual hemoglobin patterns, that's a stronger and more direct signal to get this specific genetic test.

What is alpha thalassemia and why does it matter?

Alpha thalassemia is an inherited condition where the body makes less alpha globin, a building block of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood. It happens when one or more of the four alpha globin genes are missing or altered, and the severity depends on how many are affected. Understanding whether you carry this trait matters most for family planning, since two carrier parents can have a child with a more serious form of the condition.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means one or more of the seven common alpha globin gene deletions were found, confirming alpha thalassemia trait or disease depending on how many genes are affected. Having just one or two deletions usually causes mild or no symptoms, while more deletions can lead to more noticeable anemia. If your partner is also a carrier, it's worth exploring what this means for future pregnancies through further genetic evaluation.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If a deletion is identified, a sensible next step is to have your partner tested too if you're planning a pregnancy, since the combined carrier status determines the risk to a child. You can also look into more advanced testing, like alpha globin gene sequencing, if an unusual variant is suspected. Keeping a stable, healthy diet with adequate iron, folate, and B12 supports normal red blood cell function in the meantime, and seek medical care quickly if you ever notice signs of significant anemia like severe fatigue or shortness of breath.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Alpha Thalassemia Test - Carrier & Pregnancy Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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