Can a blood routine test detect thalassemia?

Blood routine can preliminarily screen for thalassemia, but cannot diagnose it. The diagnosis of thalassemia requires further confirmation through hemoglobin electrophoresis, genetic testing, and other methods. In the blood routine examination, patients with thalassemia may exhibit abnormal indicators such as decreased average red blood cell volume and decreased average hemoglobin content. These abnormal indicators may indicate the presence of small cell hypochromic anemia, but it is not a unique manifestation of thalassemia. Diseases such as iron deficiency anemia can also lead to similar blood routine results. Blood routine examination is simple and fast, suitable as a preliminary screening method for thalassemia. Diagnosis of thalassemia requires hemoglobin electrophoresis, which can detect abnormal hemoglobin bands. Genetic testing is the gold standard for diagnosing thalassemia, which can identify the type of genetic mutation. For those with a family history or abnormal blood routine, it is recommended to improve these tests to clarify the diagnosis. Mild Mediterranean anemia may have no obvious symptoms, while severe patients require regular blood transfusions and other treatments.

It is recommended that individuals with a family history of thalassemia undergo pre pregnancy screening, and pregnant women should pay attention to prenatal diagnosis. Confirmed patients need to regularly monitor their blood routine to avoid infection and other factors that may trigger hemolytic crisis. Eating foods rich in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables and animal liver, can be appropriately increased, but nutritional supplementation should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.