Publication Cover
Hemoglobin
international journal for hemoglobin research
Volume 3, 1979 - Issue 1
8
Views
12
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Immunologic Diagnosis of α-Thalassemia Traits

, &
Pages 21-31 | Received 19 Sep 1978, Accepted 10 Jan 1979, Published online: 07 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Frequently it is impossible to diagnose α-thalassemia-2 trait from hematologic findings, since the red cell morphology and the MCV are normal. In such cases, after the neonatal period Hb Bart's is not detectable by conventional electrophoreses and chromatography. Antibody against Hb Bart's was produced in rabbits by repeated injections with Hb Bart's- from Hb Bart's hydropic fetuses. The antibody was specific for Hb Bart's without cross-reaction with Hb s A, A2, E, F and H. By the capillary tube precipitin test Hb Bart's was demonstrable in 82% of 87 obligatory cases for α-thalassemia traits, 86 % in α-thalassemia-1 trait and 79% in α-thalassemia-2 trait. The test was positive in 21 % of the general subjects, corresponding to the prevalence of α-thalassemia in Bangkok. Thus the immunologic demonstration of Hb Bart's appears to offer a diagnostic screening test for α-thalassemia traits in the postneonatal period.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.