HbS / Thalassemia

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Hemoglobinopathies: Hemoglobin S Disorders. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Hemoglobinopathies: Hemoglobin S Disorders (online CE course)
HbS / Thalassemia

HbS/thalassemia combination Affected populations Severity Comments
HbS beta thalassemia

North Africa, India, and the Mediterranean region, especially Greece and Turkey.

Varies

HbS beta-plus thalassemia, type 1 and HbS beta-minus thalassemia need supportive therapy and may have severe anemia

HbS beta-plus thalassemia, type 2 requires very little medical attention

Hb SA alpha-plus thalassemia

Common in persons of African ancestry

Usually asymptomatic

 Less hemoglobin S produced than in persons with Hb S trait
Hb SS-alpha thalassemia (either plus or zero) African and Mediterranean ancestry Mild anemia midway in severity between sickle cell disease and trait

Produce increased levels of Hb F in proportion to the number of alpha gene deletions present. This acts to retard the sickling process.