What is the test for thalassemia?

Blood tests: Thalassemia is diagnosed by blood tests: routine blood counts, hemoglobin electrophoresis to find out the types of hemoglobin one has in one's blood, and dna analysis to try to see if certain mutations are present.

Testing: Patients are anemic (low hemoglobin), with small cells (microcytosis). A hemoglobin electrophoresis confirms the diagnosis. These tests are done after a thorough history and physical exam including family history. There are other lab tests that may support the diagnosis as well.

Hgb Electrophoresis: The hemaglobin electropharesis is a blood test that separates hemaglobin types based on molecular size and charge. These tests are compared to known control studies & allow for the detection of dozens of hemaglobin varients

Hgb electrophoresis: A sample of blood is placed in a specialized gel while an electrical charge is passed through the system. The test, known as a hemoglobin electropharesis is performed in a variety of labs around the country. Different types of hemoglobin with slightly different molecular makeup will create different patterns on the gel. These are compared to normal's to define the HGB types present.