| Laboratory: | Genomics | ||||
| Test Name: | BETA THALASSEMIA - HBB GENE - (B) 
	Test Code:
	MD
 | ||||
| Clinical Information: | Hemoglobinopathy investigation is required prior or concurrently with molecular diagnostic testing.  Testing is indicated for patients of reproductive age (15-45 years of age) that are identified on hemoglobinopathy investigations as β-thal trait AND partner has abnormal findings on hemoglobinopathy investigations.  Couple-based testing is recommended.  Testing generally restricted to medical geneticists and hematologists.  For more information, see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1426/ and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1377/ | ||||
| Collection Devices: | 
 | ||||
| Specimen Required: | 
				Whole Blood: 8.0 mL
			 
				
					Pediatric  Whole Blood: 3.0 mL
				
			 Keep specimen at room temperature. Pediatric volume for infants only. For prenatal diagnosis, contact laboratory for prior approval and to obtain specimen requirements. | ||||
| Referral: |  | ||||
| Requisition: | |||||
| Reference Values: | An interpretive report from the referral laboratory will be forwarded to the physician. | ||||
| Availability: | Extracted DNA is forwarded to an out-of-province laboratory for testing, if approved. Turnaround time is estimated to be 8 to 10 weeks. Expedited turnaround time, where medically indicated, available upon request. | ||||
| See Also: | |||||
| More Information: | Do NOT centrifuge.  Ship blood samples at room temperature to Health Sciences Centre - MS5.  Extracted DNA will be forwarded for testing to a reference laboratory.  Specimen sent for Molecular tests are not to be used for other tests (ie. CBC). |