Thalassaemia Screen Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGPChief Medical Officer
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What is thalassaemia?
Thalassaemia is caused by inheriting a defective gene. There are two types of thalassaemia - alpha thalassaemia and beta thalassaemia (alpha thalassemia occurs most commonly in people from southeast Asia and China).
What is the main cause of thalassemia?
Thalassaemia is a hereditary disorder characterised by defective production of haemoglobin, which leads to decreased production and increased destruction of red blood cells.
Who can be a carrier of thalassemia?
Genes must be inherited from both parents to get thalassemia. If one gene is inherited, the person will be a carrier but will not have symptoms.