What tests should be done if thalassemia is suspected?

If the patient presents with symptoms suspected of thalassemia but has a normal previous blood count, further additional investigations are required to confirm the diagnosis. It is recommended to go to the hematology department of the hospital for treatment, and improve thalassemia screening, genetic testing and other related examinations under the guidance of doctors.

1. Thalassemia screening: including globin peptide chain synthesis test and α-thalassemia screening test, etc., can preliminarily determine whether you have thalassemia mild or severe;

2. Genetic testing: it is one of the main means to diagnose thalassemia, and it can determine whether there is β-thalassemia by drawing peripheral venous blood for DNA analysis, and can accurately distinguish which type of thalassemia it belongs to;

3. Bone marrow aspiration: For patients with splenomegaly, bone marrow aspiration can be used to observe the morphology of red blood cells and whether there is iron overload, so as to help diagnose the type of disease;

4. Pre-transfusion matching: Due to the low success rate of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in thalassemia patients, the compatibility between the donor and the recipient should be matched first when transplantation surgery is done to avoid serious hemolytic reactions.

The severity of the condition can also be comprehensively assessed according to the clinical manifestations and laboratory tests, and the corresponding treatment plan can be formulated. If thalassemia is diagnosed, seek medical attention in time and take appropriate measures to control the progression of symptoms and complications. In daily life, we should pay attention to rest, maintain a nutritious and balanced diet, and appropriately supplement vitamin D and calcium to prevent the occurrence of rickets.