Policy for screening thalassaemia among the pregnant women by combined osmotic fragility and dichlorophenol-indolephenol tests

ABSTRACT

Thalassemia is very common in Thailand. To facilitate early diagnosis a reliable screening test is required. To see if a combination of osmotic fragility and dichlorophenol-indolphenol is better than electrophoresis for screening of thalassemia. Two tests i.e. osmotic fragility or dichlorophenol-indolephenol were done as a part of health policy to screen pregrant women in a community screening for thalassemia to see if these two tests are good in early detection of these cases. Two tests done together are easier to perform and can be done without cumbersome instruments and minimal manpower. Tests when interpreted with caution showed a very good screening test combination when compared with electrophoresis. As a part of health policy of Thailand combined method showed good results and were found successful for the policy. Osmotic fragility and dichlorophenol-indolephenol tests may be included in health policy for screening of thalassaemia among pregnant women