Interpretation
Haemoglobin H inclusion bodies are found in the red cells of patients with alpha thalassaemia. They consist of beta-4 tetramers and are formed from excess beta chains. On exposure to brilliant cresyl blue Haemoglobin H forms multiple blue-green spherical inclusions. The number of cells containing inclusions varies according to the type of alpha thalassaemia. A diagnosis of alpha thalassaemia is confirmed using DNA analysis of the alpha globin gene.
Reference Intervals
0 = no inclusion bodies
1 = one inclusion body
2 = very occasional inclusions
3 = occasional inclusion bodies
4 = moderate inclusion bodies
5 = numerous inclusion bodies
Test Method
Supravital stain with brilliant cresyl blue
