Is my friend's beta thalassemia screening test normal?

Question

Hello doctor,

My cousin of 30 years old got tested for the beta thalassemia screening test. He got the result as hemoglobin A2 is 2.8 %, hemoglobin F is 0.2 %, and hemoglobin C, D, and S are not detected. Is this normal, or have there been any complications?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

The beta-thalassemia screening test appears to be normal.
HbA2 levels (hemoglobin A2) are normally between 2 to 3.3% and HbF levels (fetal hemoglobin) are 0.1 to 1.2% for this age. Both are normal.
The other hemoglobin type is HbA (adult hemoglobin), which constitutes the remaining and is in the normal range.
In thalassemia (an abnormal form of hemoglobin), HbF is predominantly elevated and up to more than 20 to 30%. So, there is nothing to worry about.
Hemoglobin C, D, and S are different types of diseases and are not detected. Hence, do not worry.
No further tests are necessary. If he has microcytic hypochromic anemia, it is probably iron deficiency, and iron supplements should help.