Diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies involves several tests and evaluations, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for anemia and other abnormalities in red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin Electrophoresis: A test that separates different types of hemoglobin to identify abnormal forms.
- Genetic Testing: To detect specific mutations associated with hemoglobinopathies.
- Newborn Screening: Many countries have routine newborn screening programs to detect hemoglobinopathies early in life.
- Family History: A detailed family history can help identify the risk of inherited hemoglobin disorders.