Thalassemia Disease and Trait

Newborn Screening For Hemoglobinopathies

Thalassemia is a blood condition that causes the body to make fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the rest of your body. Thalassemia can lead to anemia, a condition that happens when you do not have enough healthy red blood cells or your red blood cells are too small. Many people with thalassemia lead healthy lives. But it may cause serious health conditions that need treatment. Severe thalassemia may cause death. About 100,000 babies worldwide are born with severe thalassemia.