26044 Alpha-Globin Gene Analysis, Varies (ATHAL)

​Alpha Globin; Alpha Thalassemia; HBA1; Hemoglobin Bart; Hemoglobin-H Disease; Hydrops Fetalis; Thalassemia, Alpha; Alpha-Thalassemia; HBA2; AGPB

​Diagnosis of alpha-thalassemia

Prenatal diagnosis of deletional alpha-thalassemia

Carrier screening for individuals from high-risk populations for alpha-thalassemia

This test is not useful for diagnosis or confirmation of beta-thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies.

Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of draw. ​

Invert several times to mix blood.  Send specimen in original tube.

Hemoglobin electrophoresis should usually be done prior to this test to exclude other diagnoses or to identify nondeletion types of alpha-thalassemia.

Hemoglobin Constant Spring and alpha-thalassemia Saudi are the only nondeletion types of alpha-thalassemia that will be detected by this assay. This test is not useful for diagnosis or confirmation of beta-thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies.

In addition to disease-related probes, the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification technique utilizes probes localized to other chromosomal regions as internal controls. In certain circumstances, these control probes may detect other diseases or conditions for which this test was not specifically intended. Results of the control probes are not normally reported. However, in cases where clinically relevant information is identified, the ordering physician will be informed of the result and provided with recommendations for any appropriate follow-up testing.

Rare polymorphisms exist that could lead to false-negative or false-positive results. If results obtained do not match the clinical findings, additional testing should be considered.

Test results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, family history, and other laboratory data. Errors in our interpretation of results may occur if information given is inaccurate or incomplete.

This assay cannot be performed on chorionic villus specimens.

GENETICS TEST INFORMATION:

This test is for genetic deletions and duplications only.

The thalassemias are a group of inherited conditions characterized by decreased synthesis of one or more of the globin chains, resulting in an imbalance in the relative amounts of the alpha and beta chains. The excess normal chains precipitate in the cell, damaging the membrane and leading to premature red blood cell destruction. Additionally, the defect in hemoglobin synthesis produces a hypochromic, microcytic anemia. The frequency of thalassemia is due to the protective advantage against malaria that it gives carriers. Consequently, thalassemias are prevalent in populations from equatorial regions in the world where malaria is endemic.

Alpha-thalassemia is caused by decreased synthesis of alpha-globin chains. Four alpha-globin genes are normally present (2 on each chromosome 16). One, 2, 3, or 4 alpha-globin genes may be deleted or, less commonly, contain variants. Deletions account for approximately 90% of disease-causing alleles in alpha thalassemia. Phenotypically, these deletions result in 4 categories of disease expression:
-Deletion of 1 alpha-chain: Silent carrier state, with a normal phenotype
-Deletion of 2 alpha-chains: Alpha-thalassemia trait (alpha-1 thalassemia), with mild hematologic changes but no major clinical difficulties
-Deletion of 3 alpha-chains: Hemoglobin H disease, which is extremely variable but usually includes anemia due to hemolysis, jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly
-Deletion of all 4 alpha-chains: Hemoglobin Bart, with hydrops fetalis and almost invariably in utero demise

Less frequently, alpha-thalassemia results from single point alterations, such as hemoglobin Constant Spring  (HBA2: c.427T >C). Note: these point alterations are not detected by this assay.

Alpha-thalassemia occurs in all ethnic groups but is especially common in individuals of Southeast Asian and African ancestry. It is also frequent in individuals of Mediterranean ancestry. The carrier frequency is estimated to be 1 in 20 for Southeast Asians, 1 in 30 for African Americans, and 1 in 30 to 1 in 50 for individuals of Mediterranean ancestry. Both deletional and nondeletional (caused by point alterations) forms of alpha-thalassemia are found in individuals with Mediterranean ancestry. Deletions in cis (deletions on the same chromosome) are rare in African or Mediterranean populations but are prevalent in Asian populations. Couples in which both partners carry deletions in cis are at risk of having a child with the fatal hemoglobin Bart hydrops fetalis syndrome.

​An interpretive report will be provided.