What is thalassemia?
It is an inherited blood disorder that is passed from parents to children. It is caused by mutations in DNA of cells which are making hemoglobin (protein present in red blood cell responsible for oxygen transport) i.e. it changes the amount & type of hemoglobin that body produces.
What is alpha-thalassemia?
This is form of thalassemia which involves genes HbA1 & HbA2. Mutations in all 4 genes leads to decreased alpha-globin production. Hence, there is fewer alpha-globin chain in hemoglobin.
What is DNA mutation for alpha-thalassemia in blood lab test?
Thalassemia patients have 1 or more inherited genetic mutations which causes decrease production of normal hemoglobin. For hemoglobin, there are 4 genes in DNA which code for alpha globin chains & two genes (each) for beta, delta & gamma globin chains. The thalassemia patient has mutations in either alpha or beta globin genes. This DNA analysis test is therefore done to confirm the DNA mutations (change in DNA sequence) in alpha-globin genes.
Why is DNA mutation for alpha-thalassemia in blood lab test done?
In thalassemia if there is DNA mutation in alpha globin-producing gene then it is called alpha-thalassemia. Hence this test is done for diagnosis of alpha-thalassemia especially for detection of alpha-thalassemia carriers. The test is done:
- As it directly examines alpha globin genes
- It is only way to determine silent alpha thalassemia trait & related Hb trait called hemoglobin constant spring.
- As an option for prenatal testing (to detect if baby is likely to have birth defects) at risk of alpha-thalassemia
- Important to know thalassemia trait status in people of reproductive age
- Detection of risk of pregnancy with Hb Bart hydrops fetalis
- Differential diagnosis of microcytic anemia
- Which mutations lead to thalassemia?
It is inherited disease which results from mutations in ?- and ?-globin gene clusters on chromosome 16 and chromosome 11. There is absence or reduced synthesis of globin chains in Hb.
- Is fasting necessary before thalassemia test?
Yes, an overnight fast is preferred. Also avoid iron supplements for 24 hours before the sample collection
- At which age can thalassemia be diagnosed?
Children with moderate to severe thalassemia mostly receive diagnosis by age 2 years. While some people don’t have symptoms and they are carriers, i.e. when they have a child with thalassemia, they come to know.
- What does thalassemia do to RBCs?
Thalassemia is followed by destruction of large number of RBCs. It causes spleen enlargement & work harder than normal. Enlarged spleen can make anemia worse & reduces life of transfused RBCs.
This test is simply done to confirm DNA mutations in alpha globin-producing genes. It can be ordered before family planning, for healthy pregnancy, and for own health matters.