Haemoglobinopathy Screen (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HYSC

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1502

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Collect:

Associated Tests

• Alpha Thalassaemia Screen (Whole Blood)
• Haemoglobin A2 (Blood)

Synonyms

Thalassemia Screen
Alpha Thalassemia screen
Haemoglobin A2 (Blood)
Unstable Haemoglobin

Turnaround Time

8 days

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Pre-testing Requirements

Please provide relevant clinical details on the request form including recent transfusion history.

Additional Specimen Information

Paediatrics: 2 x 500ul Paediatric EDTA Whole Blood.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

1

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Test Method

The i-Lab immunochromogenic strip test is used for the qualitative determination of alpha thalassaemia by the determination of Hb Bart’s in a haemolysate.
The Sebia CAPILLARYS 3 OCTA automated capillary electrophoresis for quantitation

Uncertainty of Measurement

Refer to constituent tests

Adult or Child greater than 6 months of age. A routine screen includes Alpha thalassaemia strip test and Capillary (CE) electrophoresis. Further tests to confirm an abnormality are performed as appropriate after consultation.

Child < 6 months of age/Neonate.- Alkaline Hb Electrophoresis or CE Children less than 6 months of age have not attained adult Hb levels, they do not have any HbA2 and have high HbF levels. - Children less than 1 month old have Alkaline EPP or CE performed. Children between 1- 6 months have CE performed. Any sign of abnormality should be followed up when the child is greater than 12 months of age. Cord blood Alkaline Hb Electrophoresis or CE - To determine if Hb Barts or other abnormality is present. Note: Infants 0 – 5 days old with an MCV greater than 7 below the minimum range will have appropriate comment added. The cord blood sample will be used for testing for Hb Bart. If there is an abnormal band present, quantitation on CE may be warranted.

Contact Information