One-Tube Osmotic Fragility Test for Thalassemia Prediction in Communities of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lam Phun and Lampang Provinces

Abstract

Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai university has launched the Community Service Project to provide medical laboratory test, physical therapy, occupational therapy and medical radiology services to the public. Determinations of fasting blood sugar, serum cholesterol, uric acid levels as well as blood group check and thalassemia screen by the One-Tube Osmotic Fragility Test (OFT) are provided in the medical laboratory test services. This report aimed to determine the incidence of thalassemia, by using OFT results, among the population in several communities of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lam Phun and Lampang provinces who received the services of the project. High incidence of positive OFT was observed in all areas surveyed (16.8%-47.6%), except Doi Wawee, Mae Suay, Chiang Rai that possess the lowest incidence of positive OFT (7.4%). Although anemia from iron deficiency and other causes were not ruled out, the finding of this survey emphasized the thalassemia as being one of the health problems in the northern Thailand, particularly in the communities of the level ground. In addition, this study has demonstrated the potential of the Community Service Project, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences in providing good health promotion to the public. The finding of high thalassemia incidence of this survey could pave the way to the epidemiologic study, the results of which would be of great values to the prevention and control scheme of the thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies in these regions. Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2008; 41: 89-93.