A groundbreaking study has introduced a more efficient and cost-effective screening method for detecting inherited blood disorders, such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The research, conducted by the Bengaluru-based NGO Sankalp India Foundation, highlights the advantages of using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) as the initial diagnostic tool over the traditional Complete Blood Count (CBC) test.
The study, published in the Frontiers in Haematology journal, involved 6,549 pregnant women across multiple hospitals in South and Central India. Researchers found that the HPLC-first approach detected 14% more carriers of blood disorders without increasing costs. This method not only saves time but also enables patients to make informed decisions about their pregnancies.
Lead author Rajat Kumar Agarwal emphasized the limitations of CBC in diagnosing haemoglobinopathies, stating, “CBC is not specific enough for confirming blood disorders, especially in anaemic pregnant women. HPLC offers a more accurate and reliable alternative.”
India faces a significant burden of blood disorders, with approximately 50,000 babies born annually with thalassemia or sickle cell disease. Early detection through improved screening methods like HPLC can prevent complications and reduce the need for costly treatments, such as regular blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.
The study underscores the urgent need for a universal screening policy for inherited blood disorders during prenatal testing in India. By adopting advanced diagnostic techniques, healthcare providers can enhance prevention efforts and improve outcomes for affected families.
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