What is the Beta-Thalassemia Test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Uses of the beta-thalassemia test

Beta-thalassemia test is used to determine beta-thalassemia, a blood condition inherited through generations, from one's parents' DNA. It is a specific type of anemia presenting a lack of RBCs or Hb. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin responsible for transporting oxygen to the body cells. The generation of hemoglobin is affected by beta-thalassemia.

Understanding the test results of the beta-thalassemia test

A reticulocyte count or a measurement of immature red blood cells reveals whether the bone marrow creates enough red blood cells.

Iron tests reveal whether anemia occurs due to thalassemia (genetic cause) or iron deficiency.

Why do I need the beta-thalassemia test?

A baby born with beta-thalassemia major reveals several symptoms immediately after delivery. People who carry the minor characteristic of beta-thalassemia are typically healthy but may experience iron deficiency or anemia signs. Such individuals should be screened before starting a family to ensure that they do not have a kid with a beta-thalassemia major.

What happens during the beta HCG test?

The beta-hCG test measures the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level in the blood. This hormone is generated as early as 10 days after conception, and a higher level than usual might indicate pregnancy.

How is beta-thalassemia diagnosed?

A significant diagnosis of beta-thalassemia is generally established in the first 2 years of life, and patients will need periodic blood transfusions and lifetime medical treatment for survival. A treatment plan of beta-thalassemia intermedia is provided when the condition manifests later in life; patients may only need blood transfusions in a few particular circumstances.

What is beta-thalassemia screening?

Beta-thalassemia screening is a series of tests used to determine if a person has the beta-thalassemia trait. Beta-thalassemias (thalassemias) are a series of hereditary blood diseases in which the beta chains of hemoglobin are synthesized insufficiently or absent. Hemoglobin is a protein present in RBCs that transports oxygenated blood to the body cells.

What is the difference between alpha and beta-thalassemia?

The thalassemia condition is a set of hereditary hematological illnesses that are caused by defects in producing one or more hemoglobin chains. Reduced or missing alpha-globin chain synthesis causes alpha thalassemia, whereas reduced or absent beta globin chain synthesis causes beta-thalassemia. Hemolysis and erythropoiesis are affected by globin chain imbalances.

How common is beta-thalassemia?

Beta-thalassemia is a common blood disorder that affects people worldwide. Every year, several babies are born with beta-thalassemia. People from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, India, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean are more likely to have beta-thalassemia.

How is beta-thalassemia caused?

Beta-thalassemia is caused by a lack of or inability to synthesize beta-globin chains, resulting in an overabundance of alpha chains. Each chromosome has one gene that controls beta-globin production. Beta-thalassemia minor is an asymptomatic gene abnormality that causes microcytosis and moderate anemia. If both genes’ synthesis is significantly decreased or missing, the person has beta-thalassemia major.

How do I prepare for the beta-thalassemia test?

A beta-thalassemia test does not require any special preparation. If there are any particular instructions, your doctor will inform you. If your doctor has ordered further blood samples, you may need to fast for a few hours before the test.