sepharose and beta-Thalassemia

For beta thalassemia control program in pregnancy, mass screening of the carrier state by determination of the hemoglobin (Hb) A. Results using Q Sepharose micro-column chromatography in 350 blood specimens, including 50 samples genetically proven to be beta thalassemia heterozygotes, were compared to HPLC for validation. An additional study was conducted to test a clinical application on a large-scale survey for beta thalassemia in 1581 pregnant women and their spouses.. The mean (±SD) Hb A. Q Sepharose micro-column chromatography was found to be reliable, reproducible and well-suited for large-scale surveys. Additionally, by being reusable and convenient, this simple and economical chromatography method may be an alternative means to screen for beta thalassemia and Hb E carriers in the mass population.

Topics: beta-Thalassemia; Chromatography, Liquid; Female; Genetic Carrier Screening; Hemoglobin E; Humans; Pregnancy; Sepharose

Hemoglobin E (Hb E) is a variant hemoglobin that can lead to considerable morbidity when it occurs in a compound heterozygous state with beta-thalassemia. Therefore, its detection is important because it permits antenatal counseling. Hb E is prevalent in economically weaker regions of the world. Thus, its recognition is often hindered by the high costs of sophisticated Hb E-detection assays. We developed a simple visual test based on identifying Hb E in blood samples with DEAE Sepharose microcolumn chromatography. The diagnostic accuracy of our new Hb E microcolumn assay was 100% for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Furthermore, the Hb E microcolumn assay is rapid, reproducible, and economical; hence, it offers affordable screening for Hb E in less well-equipped laboratories.

Topics: beta-Thalassemia; Chromatography; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Hemoglobin E; Humans; Methods; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sepharose