Which Hb electrophoresis pattern is typical for alpha-thalassemia trait?

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Multiple Choice

Which Hb electrophoresis pattern is typical for alpha-thalassemia trait?

Explanation:
Alpha-globin production is reduced in alpha-thalassemia trait, but no abnormal hemoglobin variants are produced. Because of that, the electrophoresis pattern stays essentially normal: the major form HbA is present, and the other fractions HbA2 and HbF remain in their usual ranges. Only when more alpha genes are deleted do you start to see abnormal Hb forms (like HbH or Hb Barts). So the typical pattern for alpha-thalassemia trait is normal HbA, HbA2, and HbF.

Alpha-globin production is reduced in alpha-thalassemia trait, but no abnormal hemoglobin variants are produced. Because of that, the electrophoresis pattern stays essentially normal: the major form HbA is present, and the other fractions HbA2 and HbF remain in their usual ranges. Only when more alpha genes are deleted do you start to see abnormal Hb forms (like HbH or Hb Barts). So the typical pattern for alpha-thalassemia trait is normal HbA, HbA2, and HbF.

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