Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body doesn't make as much beta globin as it should.
In people with beta thalassemia, low levels of hemoglobin reduce oxygen levels in the body. Affected individuals also have a shortage of red blood cells (anemia ), which can cause pale skin, weakness, fatigue, and more serious complications.
The Micronutrient test can be run on a patient with beta thalassemia, but it may impact the red blood cell (RBC) micronutrient results. However, for several of the RBC micronutrients, Vibrant also measure the same micronutrient in serum, so there is still clinical utility in comparing results between compartments and correlating that with clinical history, signs, and symptoms of micronutrient insufficiency, deficiency, overload, or toxicity.
Individual's with beta thalassemia may wish to consider ordering a CBC test at the same time with Micronutrient test to assess total red blood cell levels for a better understanding of the effect on RBC micronutrient results.
The serum and white blood cell results will not be affected by the beta thalassemia.
