Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: Jules on April 23, 2008, 06:50:41 PM

Title: Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test
Post by: Jules on April 23, 2008, 06:50:41 PM

Does this test merely confirm (or not, as the case may be) the dx of thalassemia minor?

Or, does it provide the doctor with any other useful info.?

Just wondering....Thanks

Title: Re: Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test
Post by: Andy Battaglia on April 23, 2008, 06:52:54 PM

In most cases a hemoglobin electrophoresis test can determine thalassemia carrier status. There are some variants that may only appear in DNA testing.

Title: Re: Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test
Post by: Jules on April 23, 2008, 07:22:51 PM

Thanks.....

What benefit does undergoing DNA testing offer?  (Do insurance carriers normally cover this sort of thing?)

Title: Re: Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test
Post by: Andy Battaglia on April 23, 2008, 08:43:30 PM

Certain hemoglobin gene variants do not always show up in electrophoresis and DNA tests will find them. The experience our member InGreece had with being a carrier of the Lepore variant is one example. The benefit in his case would have been that he and his wife would have been able to undergo genetic counseling before conceiving a child. I do not know when insurance will cover the cost for the test but is likely tied to whether a doctor has given a referral.

Title: Re: Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test
Post by: Jules on April 23, 2008, 08:48:26 PM

Thanks for your response. 

You put a lot of work into this site!