ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hemoglobinopathies are a group of genetic disorders of hemoglobin. Because of consanguinity, caste and area endogamy, some communities show a very high incidence, making the disease a major public health problem. The aim of this study is to screen for thalassemia and abnormal hemoglobinopathies in blood donors by capillary electrophoresis system for early detection, management and referring positive cases for genetic counselling. Materials and methods: This was a hospital based observational study which was done for a period of one year and EDTA blood samples of anaemic blood donors showing microcytic hypochromic blood picture or low hemoglobin (<7 gm/dl) and low MCV, MCH values were studied. Both voluntary and replacement donors were included in the study. Screening for β thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies was done in Department of Transfusion Medicine using MINICAP FLEXPIERCING Capillary haemoglobin electrophoresis system. At the end of the analysis, relative quantification of individual hemoglobin fractions was performed automatically and profiles can be analyzed; the hemoglobin fractions, Hb A, Hb F, Hb A2 were automatically identified. Results: We had screened 36 blood donors having microcytic hypochromic picture. Out of which 20 turned out to be Beta Thalassemia Trait by capillary hemoglobin electrophoresis system. Therefore, out of the sample size of 36 blood donors, 55.5% were Beta Thalassemia trait. Conclusion: This study was based to screen thalassemic patients as carriers along with hemoglobinopathies so as to reduce the rate of affected infants and screen even asymptomatic patients for early management and genetic counselling