Laboratory Findings in Alpha Thalassemia: Hematology

Silent Carrier

Anemia is absent.
RBC count is within normal limits.
Hb is within normal limits.
MCV is normal to slightly decrease.
MCHC is normal to slightly decrease.
RDW is within normal limits.
Red Blood Cell morphology is normal.
Reticulocytes are within normal limits.
Hb electrophoresis demonstrates a normal pattern in adults:

Hb A - 97-98%
Hb A2 - 1-2.5%
Hb F - < 1%.
Neonates have 1-2% Bart's Hemoglobin (gamma chain tetramers).
Hb H inclusions are rarely seen.
Bone marrow is normal.

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