Prevalence of hemoglobin alpha-chain gene deletion in neonates in North of Iran.

Abstract

Considering high prevalence of alpha-thal gene deletions in neonates in Sari hospitals, it is recommended to screen newborns for alpha-thal in this city and similar areas with such a high prevalence. The sensitivity of cellulose acetate electrophoresis and HPLC methods is not adequately high to detect Hb Bart's in all positive cases and staining and examination of peripheral blood slides stained with vital staining is necessary.