MR Foundation
for the Prevention
of Thalassemia
Our objective is to create awareness about thalassemia and promote early testing to prevent it.. The more we talk about thalassemia, the more people will get tested. A simple blood test can determine whether you are a carrier of the thalassemia trait. Knowing your carrier status will help you make informed decisions when planning a family.
What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that can be classified into two main types.
Thalassemia Minor
Individuals who carry the thalassemia trait. Most carriers do not experience symptoms but can pass the gene to their children.
Thalassemia Major
A severe form of thalassemia where the body cannot produce enough healthy haemoglobin. Individuals with thalassemia major require lifelong medical treatment, including regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy.
3%
of the Indian population are estimated to be thalassemia according to the carriers Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
10K
children are born with thalassemia major in India every year, the largest number globally.
25%
probability that a child will have thalassemia major if both parents are carriers.
The Thalassemia Carrier Test
A simple blood test called HPLC can determine whether an individual is a thalassemia carrier. The test is widely available at most major laboratories.
Carrier testing is especially important for individuals or couples planning to start a family. It can also detect other haemoglobin-related abnormalities, including sickle cell disease and other rare disorders.
If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance that their child could be born with thalassemia major. Knowing your carrier status allows couples to make informed decisions when planning a family.