Immigration Thalassaemia Screen

Diagnostic Use

An initial screen for the detection of a thalassaemia or abnormal haemoglobin for immigration purposes.

Department

Haematology - Special Tests

Delphic Registration Code

HBSC

Constituent Tests

• Alpha Thalassaemia Screen
• Haemoglobin A2, Blood
• Haemoglobin F (HPLC), Blood
• Hb alkaline electrophoresis, Blood

Turnaround Time

10 days

Test Code

1502

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

4000

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3.0

Pre-testing Requirements

No iron treatment and/or blood transfusion in the preceding 3 months

Additional Specimen Information

Pre-Testing Requirements: To aid in interpretation of the thalassaemia screen a copy of the full blood count should be provided with the request. If results of a full blood count are not provided a repeat blood count may be added to the thalassaemia screen at an additional cost to the patient or requesting lab.

Sample 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 1 x 4mL EDTA whole blood, minimum aliquot 2mL EDTA whole blood

Test Method

See constituent tests

Contact Canterbury Health Laboratories on +64 3 364 0484 or email LabInfo@cdhb.health.nz

Billing Code

8278

An immigration thalassaemia screen comprises of the following tests: Alpha Thalassaemia Screen, Hb A2, Hb F, Hb alkaline electrophoresis. A copy of the full blood count is required to aid in interpretation of the thalassaemia screen.
Abnormal results will have an interpretative comment added to the report. Specific recommendations for further tests will be made and if necessary a repeat sample will be requested. If additional recommended tests are required by the Medical Examiner, the patient will be required to pay for the extra specified tests before the laboratory will proceed further.
Test Availability: Mon-Fri, 0800-1700

Contact Information

Enquiry Form