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Thalassemia Screening Checkup

Also known as Thalassemia screening tests, Thalassemia profile
Thalassemia Screening Checkup Includes 28 testsView All
14991665 9% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Earliest reports in
36 hours
Test Preparation
  1. Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.
  2. Record the date of birth, sex, race and religion on the test request form for sample collection.
  3. A duly filled HPLC form is mandatory.
  4. Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours prior to sample collection.

Understanding Thalassemia Screening Checkup


What is Thalassemia Screening Checkup?

The Thalassemia Screening Checkup comprises a group of blood tests that help diagnose and monitor thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of defective hemoglobin. This test helps evaluate parameters like complete blood counts, hemoglobin variants, and iron levels, which are essential for diagnosing and managing the condition.

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the normal production of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen). Individuals with thalassemia have fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin, which causes anemia and other health problems. There are two types of thalassemia, alpha and beta, depending on the proteins needed to make hemoglobin. The condition can range from mild to severe, with some individuals having only mild symptoms, while others may need regular blood transfusions and ongoing medical care.

The Thalassemia Screening Checkup offers the Hemoglobin High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (Hb HPLC) test, Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, Peripheral Smear Examination, and Serum Iron Studies Comprehensive. Together, these tests provide a comprehensive assessment to confirm a thalassemia diagnosis. 

Consider getting tested with the Thalassemia Screening Checkup in the following situations. If there is a known family history of thalassemia or other hemoglobinopathies. If symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, etc. indicate anemia. If routine blood tests like CBC show abnormalities in red blood cells. As part of prenatal and newborn screening. If anemia does not respond to iron supplementation, suggesting a non-iron deficiency cause.

The Thalassemia Screening Checkup helps confirm the diagnosis of thalassemia and distinguish it from other forms of anemia. Also, it helps diagnose other hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell anemia etc. Additionally,  this test helps determine the severity and type of thalassemia, monitors treatment response, determines the need for medical interventions like blood transfusion, and identifies potential complications like iron overload, which can occur due to frequent blood transfusion.  

Overnight fasting is preferred, along with a few special preparations that need to be considered before undertaking the Thalassemia Screening Checkup. However, these preparations may vary depending on the individual test included in this package. Also, let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you're taking, as some of them might affect the results, and you may need to adjust or pause them before the test.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation. Therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results. Always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results, as the insights from this test help doctors assess the condition and determine appropriate treatment plans. 

What is Thalassemia Screening Checkup used for?

The Thalassemia Screening Checkup is done: 

  • To identify the presence and the type of thalassemia in symptomatic individuals.
  • To determine if an individual is a carrier of thalassemia traits (genes), which is important for family planning. 
  • To distinguish thalassemia from other types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia.
  • As a part of prenatal screening to assess the risk of thalassemia in unborn children when parents are known carriers.
  • To monitor hemoglobin levels and overall health in individuals with thalassemia. 
  • To help guide informed treatment decisions in individuals diagnosed with thalassemia.

What does Thalassemia Screening Checkup measure?

Contains 28 tests

The Thalassemia Screening Checkup includes a range of blood tests namely, Hemoglobin High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (Hb HPLC) test which tells about different variants of hemoglobin and helps identify the abnormal variant (e.g., HbA2, HbS etc.) and its proportion in the blood. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test provides a holistic view of blood health. CBC test helps assess the overall health of the blood and identify signs of anemia, which is common in thalassemia. The Peripheral Smear Examination test looks at the shape and appearance of red blood cells, helping doctors identify any abnormalities linked to thalassemia. The Serum Iron Studies Comprehensive, which includes tests for ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), and transferrin saturation, is key for assessing iron metabolism. These tests help doctors diagnose different types of thalassemia, track its progress, and create the right treatment plan, such as iron supplements or blood transfusions, to manage the condition and related issues.

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Hemoglobin HPLC / Electrophoresis

An Hemoglobin HPLC / Electrophoresis test is used to identify and quantify different types of hemoglobin in the blood to diagnose and monitor specific blood disorders. Different types of hemoglobin are Adult type (HbA2), Fetal type (HbF), Hemoglobin S (HbS), Hemoglobin C (HbC), and Hemoglobin E (HbE), etc.

Normal types of hemoglobin include:

  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) A: The most common type of hemoglobin in healthy adults
  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) F: Fetal hemoglobin, which is found in unborn babies and newborns. HgbF is replaced by HgbA shortly after birth.

A deranged level of HgbA or HgbF might indicate certain types of anemia.

Abnormal types of hemoglobin include:

  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) S: This type of hemoglobin is found in sickle cell anemia, an inherited disorder that causes the body to make stiff, sickle-shaped red blood cells. Sickle cells can get stuck in the blood vessels, causing severe pain, long-term infections, and other complications.
  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) C: This type of hemoglobin is associated with hemolytic anemia that develops when your red blood cells are destroyed more easily than normal red blood cells or have a shorter life span than normal red blood cells. 
  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) E: This type of hemoglobin is mainly found in people of Southeast Asian descent and may be associated with mild anemia or no symptoms. 
  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) D: Hb D disease (HbDD) is characterized by mild hemolytic anemia and mild to moderate splenomegaly. Hb D Punjab occurs with the most significant prevalence in Gujarat and Sikhs of Punjab.

Know more about Hemoglobin HPLC / Electrophoresis

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CBC (Complete Blood Count)

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test evaluates red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs}, and platelets. Each of these blood cells performs essential functions–RBCs carry oxygen from your lungs to the various body parts, WBCs help fight infections and other diseases, and platelets help your blood to clot–so determining their levels can provide significant health information. A CBC test also determines the hemoglobin level, a protein in RBC that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. Evaluating all these components together can provide important information about your overall health.

Know more about CBC (Complete Blood Count)

  • Differential Leukocyte Count

  • There are five types of WBCs: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. A Differential Leukocyte Count test measures the percentage of each type of WBC in the blood. Leukocytes or WBCs are produced in the bone marrow and defend the body against infections and diseases. Each type of WBC plays a unique role to protect against infections and is present in different numbers.

    This further contains

    • Differential Basophil Count
    • Differential Neutrophil Count
    • Differential Lymphocyte Count
    • Differential Monocyte Count
    • Differential Eosinophil Count
  • Red Blood Cell Count

  • The Red Blood Cell Count test measures the total number of red blood cells in your blood. RBCs are the most abundant cells in the blood with an average lifespan of 120 days. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and destroyed in the spleen or liver. Their primary function is to help carry oxygen from the lungs to different body parts. The normal range of RBC count can vary depending on age, gender, and the equipment and methods used for testing.

  • Hb (Hemoglobin)

  • An Hb (Hemoglobin) test measures the concentration of hemoglobin protein in your blood. Hemoglobin is made up of iron and globulin proteins. It is an essential part of RBCs and is critical for oxygen transfer from the lungs to all body tissues. Most blood cells, including RBCs, are produced regularly in your bone marrow. The Hb test is a fundamental part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is used to monitor blood health, diagnose various blood disorders, and assess your response to treatments if needed.

  • Platelet Count

  • The Platelet Count test measures the average number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are disk-shaped tiny cells originating from large cells known as megakaryocytes, which are found in the bone marrow. After the platelets are formed, they are released into the blood circulation. Their average life span is 7-10 days. 

    Platelets help stop the bleeding, whenever there is an injury or trauma to a tissue or blood vessel, by adhering and accumulating at the injury site and releasing chemical compounds that stimulate the gathering of more platelets. A loose platelet plug is formed at the site of injury and this process is known as primary hemostasis. These activated platelets support the coagulation pathway that involves a series of steps, including the sequential activation of clotting factors; this process is known as secondary hemostasis. After this step, there is a formation of fibrin strands that form a mesh incorporated into and around the platelet plug. This mesh strengthens and stabilizes the blood clot so that it remains in place until the injury heals. After healing, other factors come into play and break the clot down so that it gets removed. In case the platelets are not sufficient in number or not functioning properly, a stable clot might not form. These unstable clots can result in an increased risk of excessive bleeding. 

  • Total Leukocyte Count

  • The Total Leukocyte Count test measures the numbers of all types of leukocytes, namely neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil, in your blood. Leukocytes or WBCs are an essential part of our immune system. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and defend the body against infections and diseases. Each type of WBC plays a unique role to protect against infections and is present in different numbers.

  • Hematocrit

  • The Hematocrit test measures the proportion of red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood as a percentage of the total blood volume. It is a crucial part of a complete blood count (CBC) and helps in assessing your blood health. RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body. The hematocrit test provides valuable information about your blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

    Higher-than-normal amounts of RBCs produced by the bone marrow can cause the hematocrit to increase, leading to increased blood density and slow blood flow. On the other hand, lower-than-normal hematocrit can be caused by low production of RBCs, reduced lifespan of RBCs in circulation, or excessive bleeding, leading to a reduced amount of oxygen being transported by RBCs. Monitoring your hematocrit levels is essential for diagnosing and managing various blood-related disorders.

  • Mean Corpuscular Volume

  • The Mean Corpuscular Volume test measures the average size of your red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body. This test tells whether your RBCs are of average size and volume or whether they are bigger or smaller.

  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin

  • An MCH test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell (RBC). Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in RBCs, and its major function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to all body parts. This test provides information about how much oxygen is being delivered to the body by a certain number of RBCs.

  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration

  • An MCHC test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a given volume of RBCs. MCHC is calculated by dividing the amount of hemoglobin by hematocrit (volume of blood made up of RBCs) and then multiplying it by 100. 

  • Absolute Leucocyte Count

  • The Absolute Leucocyte Count test measures the total number of white blood cells (leucocytes) in the given volume of blood. It examines different types of white blood cells such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils. These cells tell about the status of the immune system and its ability to fight off infections and other conditions like inflammation, allergies, bone marrow disorders etc.

    This further contains

    • Absolute Eosinophil Count
    • Absolute Neutrophil Count
    • Absolute Basophil Count
    • Absolute Monocyte Count
  • Mean Platelet Volume

  • An MPV test measures the average size of the platelets in your blood. Platelets are disk-shaped tiny cells originating from large cells known as megakaryocytes, which are found in the bone marrow. After the platelets are formed, they are released into the blood circulation. Their average life span is 7-10 days. 

    Platelets help stop bleeding whenever there is an injury or trauma to a tissue or blood vessel by adhering and accumulating at the injury site, and by releasing chemical compounds that stimulate the gathering of more platelets. After these steps, a loose platelet plug is formed at the site of injury, and this process is known as primary hemostasis. These activated platelets support the coagulation pathway that involves a series of steps including the sequential activation of clotting factors; this process is known as secondary hemostasis. After this, there is a formation of fibrin strands that form a mesh incorporated into and around the platelet plug. This mesh strengthens and stabilizes the blood clot so that it remains in place until the injury heals. After healing, other factors come into play and break the clot down so that it gets removed. In case the platelets are not sufficient in number or are not functioning properly, a stable clot might not form. These unstable clots can result in an increased risk of excessive bleeding. 

  • PDW

  • The PDW test reflects variability in platelet size, and is considered a marker of platelet function and activation (clot formation in case of an injury). This marker can give you additional information about your platelets and the cause of a high or low platelet count. Larger platelets are usually younger platelets that have been recently released from the bone marrow, while smaller platelets may be older and have been in circulation for a few days. Higher PDW values reflect a larger range of platelet size, which may result from increased activation, destruction and consumption of platelets.

  • RDW CV

  • The RDW CV test which is part of red cell indices, helps identify characteristics of red blood cells. RDW (red cell distribution width) measures the variations in the sizes of red blood cells, indicating how much they differ from each other in a blood sample. RDW is expressed as RDW-CV, a coefficient of variation. A higher RDW may suggest more variation in red cell sizes, while a lower RDW indicates more uniform red cell sizes.

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Peripheral Smear Examination

The Peripheral Smear Examination test is performed to check the characteristics of blood cells including:

  1. Red blood cells (RBCs)
  2. White blood cells (WBCs)
  3. Platelets

By placing the blood sample on a specifically treated slide, these blood components are analyzed under a microscope for their shape, size, and number. Any irregularity in these cells indicates blood disorders or abnormality, the presence of parasites in the blood, etc. This test is also a beneficial tool in monitoring a blood disease or deciding whether a certain medication or therapy is working effectively or not.

Know more about Peripheral Smear Examination

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Serum Iron Studies Comprehensive

The Serum Iron Studies Comprehensive package measures the level of iron in the body. It comprises a series of blood tests, including serum iron test that helps to evaluate iron level, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) test that helps to assess the ability of the body to transport iron in the blood, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) test that reflects binding of iron with transferrin, which is the main protein that binds with iron, transferrin saturation test that checks how many places on the transferrin that can hold iron are doing so, and ferritin test that detects ferritin protein in the blood and helps determine how much iron is stored in your body.

Know more about Serum Iron Studies Comprehensive

  • Serum Ferritin

  • The Serum Ferritin test measures the concentration of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein found in cells, particularly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, that stores iron in a soluble or nontoxic form. When the body needs iron for essential functions like producing red blood cells and carrying oxygen, it releases iron from ferritin into the blood.

    The Serum Ferritin test provides valuable information about the body's iron storage levels. Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency, a condition where the body lacks enough iron to function properly. In contrast, elevated ferritin levels can indicate iron overload, a condition known as hemochromatosis. Iron overload can lead to organ damage if not adequately managed, making early detection crucial.

    The Serum Ferritin test is a critical tool for assessing iron status, diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, monitoring treatment progress, detecting other iron-related disorders, and maintaining overall health.

  • Total Iron Binding Capacity

  • The Total Iron Binding Capacity test measures the ability of your blood to bind and transport iron, and therefore reflects your body's iron stores. TIBC correlates with the amount of transferrin, a protein, in your blood, that helps bind iron and facilitates its transportation in the blood. Usually, about one-third of the transferrin measured is being used to transport iron, and this is called transferrin saturation.

  • Iron, Serum

  • An Iron, Serum test determines iron levels in the blood and can help diagnose conditions like anemia, or iron overload in the body. People usually suffer from low iron levels in the blood if they prefer a diet that has low iron content, or if their body has trouble absorbing the iron from the foods or supplements they intake. Low iron levels can also occur due to intense blood loss or even during pregnancy. Similarly, an excess amount of iron in the blood can occur due to over-intake of iron supplements, blood transfusions, or if you are suffering from a condition called hemochromatosis (a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body or cause problems in the body to remove excess iron). 

    Therefore, doctors often suggest an Iron, Serum to help check the status of your iron level, get valuable information about your nutritional well-being, detect potential health issues (if any), and take timely preventive measures.

  • Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

  • An Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity test determines the reserve capacity of transferrin, i.e., the portion not yet saturated with iron. The iron-binding capacity of our body can be segregated into two parts – Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC). UIBC refers to the capacity of transferrin, a protein that transports iron, to bind with additional iron. In easy terms, it represents the available "slots" on transferrin to carry iron molecules. Unlike iron saturation, which assesses the occupied slots, UIBC measures the unoccupied ones.

  • Transferrin Saturation

  • The Transferrin Saturation test determines an individual’s iron status by using the ratio of serum iron concentration and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) as a percentage. The test tells us how much iron in the blood is bound to transferrin, the main protein in the blood that binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. Under normal conditions, transferrin is one-third saturated with iron, so about two-thirds of its capacity is held in reserve. This test is often employed alongside others to evaluate iron levels and diagnose conditions like iron deficiency anemia if transferrin saturation is low or hemochromatosis (an iron overload disorder) if transferrin saturation is higher than normal.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thalassemia Screening Checkup


Frequently Asked Questions about Thalassemia Screening Checkup

Q. What is thalassemia, and why is screening important?

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the hemoglobin, leading to anemia and other health issues. Screening is important to detect it early, differentiate it from other types of anemia, and help determine the right treatment.

Q. What is the Thalassemia Screening Checkup?

The Thalassemia Screening Checkup comprises a range of blood tests to help diagnose and manage thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder. It includes a Hemoglobin High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (Hb HPLC) test, Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, Peripheral Smear Examination, and Serum Iron Studies Comprehensive. Together, these tests help diagnose the type and severity of thalassemia, monitor disease progression, and guide treatment approaches.

Q. What blood tests indicate thalassemia?

The most reliable method for diagnosis is hemoglobin analysis, for which various techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrophoresis, and chromatography are available.

Q. How often should I get the Thalassemia Screening Checkup?

The frequency of testing depends on your health condition and your doctor’s discretion. It may be done periodically to monitor your blood and iron status, particularly when you are receiving treatment for thalassemia.

Q. What are the risks associated with the Thalassemia Screening Checkup?

The risks associated with this test are generally minimal. However, some people may experience mild pain or discomfort at the site from where the blood sample is taken, which is usually self-limiting.

Q. What do the abnormal test results mean?

Abnormal test results might suggest thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, or health complications related to it. High or low levels in test components can help doctors figure out what type of thalassemia you have, how serious it is, if you need treatment, and if there's too much iron in your body. Never self-medicate at home solely based on these results. Always consult the doctor for a proper interpretation of your test results and appropriate medical advice.

Q. Can thalassemia be cured?

Thalassemia cannot be completely cured for everyone, but treatments can help control symptoms and improve daily life. Common treatments include regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload, and, in some cases, stem cell or bone marrow transplants.

Q. What is the difference between alpha and beta thalassemia?

Thalassemia is categorized into two main types—alpha and beta, based on which the hemoglobin chain is affected. Alpha thalassemia occurs when there is a problem with the alpha-globin chains, while beta thalassemia involves the beta-globin chains. Beta thalassemia is usually more common and often requires regular blood transfusions.

Q. What is the role of blood transfusions in thalassemia treatment?

Blood transfusions are a key component in the treatment of severe forms of thalassemia, particularly beta thalassemia major. They help replenish healthy red blood cells and provide necessary hemoglobin. However, frequent transfusions can lead to iron overload, which requires management with iron chelation therapy.

Q. How does Tata 1mg ensure accurate lab test results?

Tata 1mg ensures accurate lab test results through certified laboratories that use advanced technology and adhere to stringent quality control measures. This commitment to high standards guarantees reliable results.
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Thalassemia Screening Checkup test price for other cities


Price inNew DelhiRs. 1499
Price inKolkataRs. 1499
Price inBangaloreRs. 1499
Price inMumbaiRs. 1499
Price inNoidaRs. 1499
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