What diagnostic test is commonly used to confirm thalassemia?

What diagnostic test is commonly used to confirm thalassemia?

• A. Complete Blood Count
• B. Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
• C. Bone Marrow Biopsy
• D. Blood Smear Analysis

Answer: (B)

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is the diagnostic test most commonly used to confirm thalassemia because it specifically analyzes the different types of hemoglobin present in the blood. This test allows healthcare providers to identify the specific abnormal hemoglobin variants that are characteristic of thalassemia, such as Hemoglobin A, Hemoglobin A2, and Hemoglobin F. In patients with thalassemia, the levels and types of hemoglobin can differ significantly from those in individuals without the condition. By measuring these levels, electrophoresis provides critical information that supports a definitive diagnosis, differentiating thalassemia from other types of anemia. While a complete blood count can indicate the presence of anemia and might suggest the possibility of thalassemia by showing microcytic anemia or low hemoglobin levels, it does not provide the detailed analysis required for a conclusive diagnosis. Blood smear analysis can help to visualize cell morphology and may suggest thalassemia but lacks the specificity needed for a definitive diagnosis. A bone marrow biopsy, while useful for assessing other hematological conditions, is not routinely required for diagnosing thalassemia and is more invasive. Therefore, hemoglobin electrophoresis is the preferred test for confirming thalassemia due to its focused

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is the diagnostic test most commonly used to confirm thalassemia because it specifically analyzes the different types of hemoglobin present in the blood. This test allows healthcare providers to identify the specific abnormal hemoglobin variants that are characteristic of thalassemia, such as Hemoglobin A, Hemoglobin A2, and Hemoglobin F.

In patients with thalassemia, the levels and types of hemoglobin can differ significantly from those in individuals without the condition. By measuring these levels, electrophoresis provides critical information that supports a definitive diagnosis, differentiating thalassemia from other types of anemia.

While a complete blood count can indicate the presence of anemia and might suggest the possibility of thalassemia by showing microcytic anemia or low hemoglobin levels, it does not provide the detailed analysis required for a conclusive diagnosis. Blood smear analysis can help to visualize cell morphology and may suggest thalassemia but lacks the specificity needed for a definitive diagnosis. A bone marrow biopsy, while useful for assessing other hematological conditions, is not routinely required for diagnosing thalassemia and is more invasive. Therefore, hemoglobin electrophoresis is the preferred test for confirming thalassemia due to its focused