An adult female patient from Southeast Asia has no anemia,but her complete blood count (CBC)shows an MCV of 68 fL and marked target cells are observed on her blood film.Cellulose acetate alkaline electrophoresis shows two large bands: approximately 55% migrating with Hb A and 40% migrating with Hb C.What is the patient's most likely genotype?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hb E is a variant found in Southeast Asian populations.It migrates with Hb C on cellulose acetate alkaline electrophoresis.Because Hb A is also present,this patient probably has Hb E trait (is not homozygous for Hb E).The MCV is low and target cells are present in this trait.

An Adult Female Patient from Southeast Asia Has No Anemia,but