Alpha Thalassemia

Continuing Education Credits

• P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1 hour(s)
• Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours -
  General (Hematology): 1 hour(s)

Objectives

• Define Alpha Thalassemia.
• List the clinical manifestations of the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
• Compare and contrast laboratory findings for Alpha Thalassemia.
• Differentiate among the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
• Identify synonyms for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
• Correlate each type of Alpha Thalassemia with its genetic nomenclature/designation.
• Explain the molecular basis for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia (Chromosome associated with Alpha Thalassemia; and the degree of defect for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia).
• Interpret routine laboratory results for the case given and arrive at a differential diagnosis.
• Interpret special hematology tests (Hemoglobin electrophoresis; Special stains).
• Suggest laboratory tests to confirm this presumptive diagnosis; and suggest explanations for discrepancies among laboratory tests.

Course Outline

• Defining Thalassemia
• Defining Thalassemia
• Defining Alpha Thalassemia
• Alpha Thalassemia States
• Anemia in Alpha Thalassemia
• Which two of the following conditions can lead to thalassemia?
• Genetics of Alpha Thalassemia
• Normal Chromosome 16
• Chromosome 16 Alpha Thalassemia Silent Carrier
• Chromosome 16 Alpha Thalassemia Minor
• Alpha Thalassemia Minor - Homozygous
• Alpha Thalassemia Minor - Heterozygous
• Chromosome 16 Alpha Thalassemia Intermedia
• Chromosome 16 Alpha Thalassemia Major
• Match the alpha thalassemia variants below with their genotypic notation.
• Clinical Manifestations of Alpha Thalassemia
• Alpha Thalassemia Major
• Alpha Thalassemia Intermedia
• Alpha Thalassemia Minor
• Silent Carrier
• Hemoglobin H disease is found in which ethnic group?
• Laboratory Findings in Alpha Thalassemia
• Hematology
• Silent Carrier
• Alpha Thalassemia Minor
• Alpha Thalassemia Intermedia
• Alpha Thalassemia Major
• Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) are most often seen in which variant of alpha thalassemia?
• Chemistry
• Serum Iron
• Serum Bilirubin
• Lactate Dehydrogenase
• Serum Haptoglobin
• Special Procedures
• Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
• Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Theory
• Migration of Hemoglobin in Alkaline Electrophoresis
• Normal Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
• Sample Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
• Densitometer Tracings
• In what order do normal and abnormal hemoglobins migrate in alkaline electrophoresis (from cathode to anode)?
• Brilliant Cresyl Blue Stain
• Hemoglobin H bodies
• Reticulocytes
• Normal Cells
• Match the images of these cells stained with the supravital stain, brilliant cresyl blue, with the appropriate description.
• Case Study
• Case History
• Case History
• Complete blood cell count results
• Complete Blood Count Results
• A peripheral blood smear made from an EDTA-anticoagulated blood specimen revealed the following results when stained with Wright-Giemsa stain and view...
• A 29-year-old patient of Filipino descent is seen by their physician for fatigue. The patient states that a relative told them that their family has a...
• Serum Chemistry Tests
• Serum Chemistry Results
• Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
• Hemoglobin alkaline electrophoresis on this patient's sample is pictured on the right.Which hemoglobin bands are present?
• Brilliant Cresyl Blue Stain
• A brilliant cresyl blue stain was performed on this patient's sample. How should this stain be interpreted?
• Repeat Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
• Repeat Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
• Summary of Case Study
• Summary
• Treatment Options for Alpha Thalassemia
• Treating Alpha Thalassemia
• References
• References

Additional Information