A Chinese Male with Normal Hematological Indices and High Hb A2 Levels in β-Thalassemia Trait.

β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is a common hematological disorder in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of Southern China. Heterozygous β-thal is usually associated with reduced hematological indices and increased Hb A₂ levels. However, the preventive program of the regional government only conducts the screening of hematological indices [complete blood count (CBC)] especially at primary hospitals. In this study, we describe a male β-thal patient presenting normal hematological indices but with a high Hb A₂ level. We proposed that hemoglobin (Hb) analysis and CBC should be performed together in the preventive screening program in regions with a high thalassemia incidence to avoid misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]