Thalassaemia Prevention

Steps for Thalassemia Prevention

  • Public Awareness through electronic media, social media, education centers and local health centers
  • Screening of general population for carrier detection through CBC, Hb-electrophoresis and PCR based analysis.
  • Extended family screening of affected persons.
  • Pre-marital screening of future couples and avoidance of carrier-carrier and cousin/family marriages.
  • Genetic counseling on individual and group basis.
  • Pre-natal diagnosis (CVS) and discuss full details, pros and cons of this test and to advise termination of pregnancy in case of positive CVS report for mutation (Thalassemia Major).
  • Pre-implantation or Pre-conception diagnosis (very expensive).
  • Fetal DNA in maternal plasma (non-invasive). A future technique.