Beta-Thalassaemia Trait

Key points

• The thalassaemias are genetic disorders characterised by reduced production of alpha or beta globin chains
• Beta-thalassaemia trait is an autosomal recessive condition causing a mild hypochromic, microcytic anaemia
• Microcytosis is characteristically disproportionate to the degree of anaemia
• HbA2 is raised (> 3.5%), which helps distinguish it from iron deficiency anaemia