The Thalassemia

What is a Thalassemia Carrier?

A Thalassemia carrier (also called a Trait or Minor) is a completely healthy individual who carries one defective gene. Most carriers show no symptoms and lead normal life, unaware of their status unless tested through a special blood test: HbA2 (Hb Electrophoresis or HPLC).

What is Thalassemia Major?

A severe genetic disorder where the body is unable to produce sufficient hemoglobin, leading to life-threatening anaemia.

Thalassemia Treatment Involves:

• Lifelong blood transfusions every 2-4 weeks
• Expensive iron chelation therapy
• Ongoing medical monitoring
• Rarely, bone marrow transplant, costing over 6 lakhs
• Annual treatment cost: ₹50,000-2,00,000

What if you are a Carrier & partner is not?

• Your partner should be tested too
• If your partner is not a carrier, your children won't be Thalassemia Major
• If both partners are carriers, consult for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis at 8-10 weeks of pregnancy (available at centres like AIIMS)

When should you get tested for your Thalassemia Status.

• Before marriage or before planning a child
• A single test in your lifetime is enough - your status does not change
• Test: HbA2/Hb Electrophoresis or Hb HPLC (If HbA2 > 3.5%, you are a confirmed carrier)

How Can You Help if you are not a Thalassemia Minor/Major?

• Donate Blood - Thalassemia Majors depend on blood to survive.
• Motivate others to donate blood regularly
• Raise awareness about Thalassemia
• Support Thalassemia welfare programs with your time or donations

THALASSEMIA FREE NCR BY 2035

One Blood Test A LIFE TIME OF PROTECTION

Thalassemia Screening Awareness Campaign

Joint initiative of Rotary Districts 3011 & 3012

"I am a Thalassemia minor. Had I married a Thalassemic, my children would have carried dangerous symptoms of thalassemia. Fortunately, since Jaya was not Thalassemic, our children were saved". Amitabh Bachchan