Criteria for detection of α-Thalassemia-1 Thai type deletion in routine laboratory

Abstract

Background: Using a single tube multiplex real-time PCR with SYBR Greenl and high resolution melting (HRM) analysis in routine laboratory for detection of α-thalassemia-1 Southeast Asian (SEA) type deletion simultaneously with Thai type deletion is costly. Methods: Criteria for laboratory testing of α-thalassemia-1 Thai type deletion were set as follow: (1) MCV ≤ 75 fL and negative for α-thalassemia-1 SEA type deletion, β-thalassemia or homozygous HbE; (2) HbE trait with HbE level < 21.5% and negative for α-thalassemia-1 SEA type deletion; or (3) Hb Bart's and HbH found on HPLC chromatogram but negative for α-thalassemia-1 SEA type deletion. Results: From May 2010 to October 2012, the number of samples to detect for α-thalassemia-1 Thai type deletion decreased from 15,081 to 672 samples and the α-thalassemia-1 Thai type deletion trait was found in 7 samples (1.04%). Conclusions: The new testing algorithm can reduce number of samples for detection of α-thalassemia-1 Thai type deletion.