Read this in Bengali: https://btpwa.org/biyer-age-thalassemia-carrier-test/
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. The body does not make haemoglobin properly, so the blood carries less oxygen. Bangladesh lies in the thalassemia belt. Research and surveys show that a large part of the population carries the thalassemia gene — many without knowing it, because carriers are usually completely healthy.
What does “carrier” mean?
Being a carrier does not mean you are a patient. You carry one faulty thalassemia gene, but you also have one healthy gene, so you can live a normal life. Most carriers have no symptoms, although some may have mild anaemia. The problem arises when two carriers marry.
For each pregnancy of two carrier parents, the chances are:
- 25% — the child may have thalassemia disease,
- 50% — the child may be a carrier,
- 25% — the child may be completely healthy.
This is not meant to frighten anyone. It is meant to help you decide with full information. If you know in advance, you can talk to a doctor and a genetic counsellor and make an informed decision.
Which test is needed?
Usually, a CBC (complete blood count) is checked first. If the red blood cells look small and the haemoglobin level is low, the next step is an Hb Electrophoresis or HPLC test. This is the test that identifies a carrier.
You only need to do this test once in your life, because your genes do not change. For current test prices and known diagnostic centres, please contact BTPWA — prices vary by centre, so no specific price is given here.
Who should definitely take the test?
- Young men and women planning to marry — both partners
- Anyone with thalassemia or a carrier in the family
- Couples planning to have a child
- Anyone who does not know their status but wants to be aware
A common misconception is that a carrier cannot marry. That is not true. If a carrier marries a non-carrier, their child will not have thalassemia disease, although the child may be a carrier. That is why both partners need to know their test results, not just one of them.
What to do after getting the report?
If the report says “trait” or “carrier”, do not panic. Talk to a haematologist or a genetic counsellor with your report in hand. They will explain what the next step is in your case. Do not start any medicine or make a decision on your own.
How does BTPWA help?
BTPWA is an association of patients and parents. We work on awareness, blood donation, mental support, and getting the right information to people. We are not a hospital and we do not provide treatment — but we help you reach the right place.
Contact: 110 Aliza Tower (3rd Floor), Fakirapool, Motijheel, Dhaka | info@btpwa.org | 01972-515077
FAQ
Q: Is the carrier test painful?
A: No, it is just like a regular blood test.
Q: Does the test need to be repeated?
A: No, once your genes are known, they stay the same for life.
Q: Is it enough for only the woman to be tested?
A: No, both the man and the woman should be tested.
Q: If the report is unfavourable, will the marriage break?
A: A report helps you decide, it is not meant to frighten you. Talk to a doctor and a counsellor.
Disclaimer: This article is for awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For personal decisions, please talk to a doctor.