A patient is suspected of having thalassemia.Which test would be most appropriate to confirm this suspicion?
A)Ham's test for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
B)Haptoglobin
C)Hemoglobin electrophoresis
D)Hemosiderin

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is the most appropriate test to confirm the suspicion of thalassemia, as it allows for the identification of the specific type of abnormal hemoglobin present in the patient's blood. This test can differentiate between alpha and beta thalassemia and can provide information about the severity of the disease. Ham's test is used to diagnose paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, haptoglobin levels are decreased in hemolytic anemia, and hemosiderin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin that can be seen in conditions such as iron overload.

A Patient Is Suspected of Having Thalassemia