Thalassaemia Screen, Blood

Diagnostic Use

For the detection of a thalassaemia or abnormal haemoglobin.

For a thalassaemia/haemoglobinopathy screen for immigration purposes refer to Immigration Thalassaemia Screen.

Department

Haematology - Special Tests

Delphic Registration Code

HBSC

Constituent Tests

• Alpha Thalassaemia Screen
• Hb acid electrophoresis, Blood
• Abnormal Hb quantitation, Blood
• Hb alkaline electrophoresis, Blood
• Haemoglobin A2, Blood
• Haemoglobin H inclusions, Blood
• Haemoglobin stability, Blood
• Heinz bodies, Blood

Synonyms

Haemoglobinopathy Screen

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

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

3

No of Samples Required

2

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

2

Pre-testing Requirements

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

Additional Specimen Information

For pediatrics collection, please collect 4 Pediatric tubes.
Sample Delivery to Lab - ambient temperature, 4°C if overnight

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

3

Transport to Lab

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

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Preferred aliquot 2 x 4.0mL EDTA whole blood. Minimum aliquot 3mL EDTA whole blood
For paediatrics collection, please collect 4 Paediatric tubes.

Interpretation

The Special Haematology section uses a combination of tests to identify patients with abnormal haemoglobins and/or thalassaemia. Results from the individual tests, together with the patient’s CBC, iron studies, and molecular testing, are interpreted together to give an overall clinical diagnosis and/or recommendation.

Test Method

See constituent tests

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

A haemoglobinopathy screen comprises of a combination of the following tests: Alpha thalassaemia screen, Hb A2, Hb F, Hb alkaline electrophoresis, Hb stability, Hb acid electrophoresis, Hb H stain, Heinz body stain, with each constituent priced individually. The combination of tests performed and the overall price varies depending on the abnormality detected.
If necessary the sample may be referred for alpha globin gene deletion analysis, globin gene sequencing or mass spectrometry analysis to confirm a diagnosis.
Test Availability Mon - Fri, 0800 - 1700

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

Contact Information

Enquiry Form