Population screening for beta-thalassaemia.

S D Flatz; G Flatz

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(80)91830-9

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Population screening for beta-thalassaemia.

S D Flatz·G Flatz

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Abstract

The graphic recording of time to 50% haemolysis in a glycerine-saline solution is a simple, reproducible method of determining erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Studies on a normal population yielded an upper limit of normal of 90 s. In 250 healthy males from Northern Thailand all 19 with beta-thalassaemia minor had abnormal osmotic indices, and the value of the test was confirmed in beta-thalassaemia heterozygotes in Europe. Of 23 patients with iron deficiency 18 had abnormal osmotic indices. However, this is not thought likely to be a significant source of false positives in the screening of populations at risk of haemoglobinopathies but in whom iron deficiency is rare.

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Female Genetic Counseling Germany, West Heterozygote Humans Male Mass Screening Osmotic Fragility Thailand Thalassemia Comparative Study Journal Article

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S D Flatz, G Flatz. 1980-09-06. Population screening for beta-thalassaemia.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(80)91830-9

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