Did you know? Thalassemia anemia is the most common genetic disease in Thailand
Did you know? More than 12,000 newborns are diagnosed with thalassemia each year
Did you know? More than 22 million Thais are “thalassemia carriers” without knowing it
One in every three people in the Thai population is a “thalassemia carrier,” commonly called “silent thalassemia.” Because being a carrier does not affect daily life, does not show abnormalities, and does not impact health, it is not surprising that many people do not know they are carriers. However, whenever you plan to have children, being a thalassemia carrier is important to consider. Thalassemia is a disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin production, resulting in incomplete red blood cells. People with thalassemia have a higher chance of experiencing many severe health problems compared to the general population. Importantly, once diagnosed, they must live with this condition for life!
Check it out… Are you at risk of being a thalassemia carrier?
Normally, thalassemia carriers do not show any abnormal symptoms, but there are some warning signs that may indicate this condition, including:
- Detection of smaller than normal red blood cells where the normal MCV (mean corpuscular volume) value should be between 80-100. If your value is lower, you might be a thalassemia carrier.
- Detection of mild anemia Simply put, your blood concentration might be slightly below the standard level, which may cause easy fatigue or pale skin in some cases, and might not affect your health enough for you to notice the abnormality.
How many methods are there for thalassemia screening?
1. Initial screening test (Screening Test)
This is a blood test to check the basic completeness of red blood cells, blood concentration, and whether the size of red blood cells is abnormal. It is a simple and quick test but cannot distinguish which type of thalassemia carrier you are. If you are at risk, you should undergo Hb Typing for a clear confirmation.
2. Hemoglobin typing (Hemoglobin Typing)
This test checks which type of hemoglobin is missing. Hemoglobin is mainly divided into two types: Alpha and Beta. Thalassemia is also divided into two types based on which hemoglobin type the body cannot produce.
3. DNA analysis (DNA Analysis)
This is a more specific and clearer test for thalassemia carriers. It is considered the most accurate method currently available. It can identify the type, risk, and sometimes predict the severity of thalassemia that may occur. However, it is also relatively expensive.
Can thalassemia carriers have children??
- If only one parent is a thalassemia carrier, they can have children. The child has a 50% chance of inheriting the abnormal gene as a thalassemia carrier and a 50% chance of not being a carrier.
- If both parents are thalassemia carriers, they can also have children, but there is a 25% chance the child will inherit abnormal genes from both parents and have congenital thalassemia, a 50% chance of being a thalassemia carrier, and a 25% chance of not being a carrier. If parents are concerned, they can consult a doctor to plan a pregnancy to reduce risks.
Can thalassemia carriers donate blood??
According to the Thai Red Cross Society, being a thalassemia carrier is not a contraindication for blood donation. Carriers can donate blood normally if their blood concentration meets the standard criteria: not less than 12.5 grams/deciliter for women and not less than 13 grams/deciliter for men. However, it is recommended to rest adequately after donating blood and to take the prescribed blood supplements until finished to help restore red blood cell levels to normal.