Could you be a Carrier
Anyone can be a carrier of thalassaemia, but it is most prevalent in individuals who can trace their ancestry to;
South America, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Isles
Thalassaemia is common in these regions because it was believed to be a revolutionary response to malaria
What is Thalassaemia
Thalassaemia forms part of the haemoglobinopathies, a group of genetic blood disorders affecting the production of haemoglobin.
People with thalassaemia produce either no or too little haemoglobin.
Thalassaemia is inherited from parents; it is not contagious, or a virus acquired from blood transfusions. It is passed on equally by men and women.
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Infected Blood Inquiry
Inquiry established to examine the circumstances in which men, women & children treated by NHS in the UK were given infected blood or blood products.
NHS Screening
To Identify apparently healthy people who may be at an increased risk of disease or condition, enabling earlier treatment or informed decisions.
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All UKTS publications inc. the newsletter, national clinical standards, information on related issues, videos & thalassaemia information in your language
Members Stories
Feel like you’re the only one? Members stories on dealing with thalassaemia.
Types of thalassaemia
Thalassaemia is a characteristic of the blood. It is inherited, that is, it is passed on from parents to children, like hair, eye or skin colour. It is passed on equally by men and women. It is not contagious and will not turn into an illness.
There are two main types of thalassaemia: alpha and beta.
- How prevalent is thalassaemia?
- How is thalassaemia inherited?
