Retrograde Study of Screening of Medical  & Paramedical Students of Ahmedabad  Municipal Corporation For Beta Thalassemia  Trait

Dr. F. R. Shah; Dr. Nirali Shah; Dr. Hinal Gajjar; Dr. Jyoti Gadhavee; Dr. Kazoomi Patel

Volume : III, Issue : II, February - 2014

Retrograde Study of Screening of Medical & Paramedical Students of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation For Beta Thalassemia Trait

Dr. F. R. Shah, Dr. Nirali Shah, Dr. Hinal Gajjar, Dr. Jyoti Gadhavee, Dr. Kazoomi Patel

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION Haemoglobinopathies are common genetic disorders of haemoglobin in which there is abnormal production or structure of haemoglobin molecule. These genetic disorders are major public health problem in many parts of the world including India. Population screening and genetic counselling are very important for prevention of thalassemia major & other hemoglobinopathies. AIMS & OBJECTIVES To know the incidence of beta thalassemia trait of AMC medical & paramedical college students. To find out the advantages of HPLC & other haematological tests for diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies and correlate them. To acknowledge for prevention of thalassemia major by identifying beta thalassemia trait in targeted population. MATERIAL & MATHODS A total 1888 students were analysed in the months of September to November 2012 for screening of beta thalassemia trait. All blood samples were tested on Cell Dyn 3700 to derive values of Hb, RBC count & Red blood cell indices. The screening precision was based on Menzer�s ratio< 13 (MCV/RBC count). These samples were further evaluated for peripheral blood smear examination, Hb electrophoresis on Cellular Acetate Agarose Gel (Ph 8.9), HbA2 estimation by HPLC on BIORAD VARIANT II for final conclusion. RESULTS: On analysis of 1888 cases, 132 cases showed Menzer�s ratio < 13. These samples were evaluated for peripheral blood examination & Hb electrophoresis. For HbA2 quantitation, samples were tested on HPLC. A cut off value of HbA2 > 3.5% was considered for diagnosis of beta thalassemia trait. HPLC results showed 40 cases (2.11%) of thalassemia trait, HPLC result also showed other hemoglobinopathies. CONCLUSION: Prospective prevention through population screening is one of the best possible strategy for prevention of thalassemia major. HPLC is accurate & reliable technique with combination of other hematological tests which makes them an ideal method for screening purpose.