Haemoglobinopathy screening indicated?
- Family history of previous alpha/beta thalassaemia or haemoglobin variant
- Anaemic or microcytic, NOT iron deficient, appropriate family origin
- Red cell indices or morphological appearances are suggestive of a haemoglobinopathy
- Pre-operative testing for at risk groups for HbS
- HbA1c uninterpretable due to presence of variant Hb (as suggested by biochemistry report)
- New arrival in UK with history of sickle cell/ beta thalassemia, or from “at risk” ethnic group
- Single retest of teenager/ young adult previously identified as having variant Hb, a0 or b thal trait
Request “Haemoglobinopathy screen”
Include the following:
- Clinical details/ reason for request
- Ethnic origin (family origins, not place of birth)
- Iron status if known (consider requesting ferritin if iron status not known)
On receipt of report
- Document results in patient notes, to avoid retesting
- For additional information/ guidance on interpretation, consult the GP gateway detailed guidance
- Inform patient of results (whether positive or negative)
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