Alpha Thalassaemia Screen

Diagnostic Use

Immunochromatographic strip test for the detection of alpha thalassaemia

Department

Haematology - Special Tests

Delphic Registration Code

HBSC

Turnaround Time

10 days

Test Code

9799

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

8000

No of Samples Required

2

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3.0

Additional Specimen Information

Samples required for full haemoglobinopathy/thalassaemia screening tests.
Adult specimen: 2 x 4mL EDTA
Paediatric specimen: 1 x 3mL EDTA; please not the alpha thalassaemia strip test is not suitable for testing cord blood or newborn samples
Delivery to lab: Ambient temperature, 4°C if overnight

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

2.0

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Preferred aliquot 2 x 4mL EDTA whole blood. Minimum aliquot 2mL EDTA whole blood.

Interpretation

A positive result suggests carrier of alpha thalassaemia trait.
The sensitivity for the alpha thalassaemia screen is between 97% – 100%, depending on the genotype of the alpha thalassaemia trait.
Therefore a negative result does not exclude alpha thalassaemia trait.

Reference Intervals

Negative is a normal result.

 

 

Test Method

The IC Strip Test for Alpha Thalassaemia detection uses an immunochromatogramatic assay to detect small amounts of Hb Barts.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$74.47 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9799

Performed as part of a haemoglobinopathy/thalassaemia screen. Not performed as a stand alone test.
Samples may be referred for alpha globin gene deletion analysis if indicated.
Test Availability: Mon to Fri 0800 - 1700hrs

Contact Information

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