title: Q Sepharose micro-column chromatography: A simple screening method for identifying beta thalassemia traits and hemoglobin E carriers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  For beta thalassemia control program in pregnancy, mass screening of the carrier state by determination of the hemoglobin (Hb) A2and Hb E proportions and mutation analysis is a preferred method for making prenatal diagnoses. Q Sepharose micro-column chromatography, developed for the determination of Hb A2and Hb E for screening purposes, was compared with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to ascertain its relative accuracy and reliability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Results using Q Sepharose micro-column chromatography in 350 blood specimens, including 50 samples genetically proven to be beta thalassemia heterozygotes, were compared to HPLC for validation. An additional study was conducted to test a clinical application on a large-scale survey for beta thalassemia in 1581 pregnant women and their spouses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean (±SD) Hb A2proportions in the normal and genetically proven beta thalassemia heterozygotes were 2.70±0.40% and 6.30±1.23%, respectively, as determined by Q-Sepharose micro-column chromatography, and 2.65±0.31% and 5.37±0.96%, respectively, as determined by HPLC. The mean Hb E proportions in the Hb E heterozygotes were 23.25±4.13% and 24.72±3.5% as determined by Q Sepharose micro-column chromatography and HPLC, respectively. In the large-scale survey for beta thalassemia, 23 at risk couples were detected. Seven affected fetuses were identified by prenatal diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Q Sepharose micro-column chromatography was found to be reliable, reproducible and well-suited for large-scale surveys. Additionally, by being reusable and convenient, this simple and economical chromatography method may be an alternative means to screen for beta thalassemia and Hb E carriers in the mass population.
authors.affiliation: Thalassemia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand. Electronic address: peeraponw@nu.ac.th.
authors.forename: Peerapon
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Suchila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sritippayawan
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Biology, School of Science, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.
authors.forename: Narutchala
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Suwannakhon
authors.affiliation: Thalassemia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Akamon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tapprom
authors.affiliation: Thalassemia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Rawisut
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deoisares
authors.affiliation: Thalassemia Unit, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.
authors.forename: Torpong
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sanguansermsri
mesh_terms: D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D006446:Hemoglobin E / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012685:Sepharose; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012685:Sepharose; D006446:Hemoglobin E
keywords: Beta thalassemia carrier; Hemoglobin E carrier; Micro-column chromatography; Q Sepharose