The main purpose of this Manual is to provide useful guidelines for the selection of pathology tests and to facilitate interpretation of results.
Contains a comprehensive listing of all genes from the Human Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) database alongside laboratories and tests available in the country.
A manual for the process of macroscopic dissection in Anatomical Pathology laboratories.
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Keywords: HbA2
5 mL blood in any anticoagulant.
Column chromatography, electrophoresis or HPLC, using lysate of washed red cells.
Consult laboratory. Approximate reference ranges provided below:
Hb A2 1.8-3.5%
Investigation of thalassaemias and haemoglobinopathies.
HbA2 is usually raised in the ß thalassaemias, and in unstable haemoglobinopathies where the amino acid substitution is on the ß chain.
HbA2 may be reduced in the presence of iron deficiency; if thalassaemia is suspected in a patient with iron deficiency, the test should be repeated after iron replacement.
Acquired defects of HbA2 also exist. It may also be elevated in thyrotoxicosis and in megaloblastic anaemias.
It may also be reduced in Lead poisoning, Anaemia of chronic disease, Sideroblastic anaemia, Hypothyroidism and in acquired HbH disease.
Steinberg MH and Adams JG. Blood 1991; 78: 2165-2178.
Bain B. Haemoglobinopathy Diagnosis. 2nd Ed. 2006. Blackwell Science.
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The RCPA is the leading organisation representing Pathologists and Senior Scientists in Australasia.
Its mission is to train and support pathologists and senior scientists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare.
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