Understanding Your Results
Do you carry an abnormal hemoglobin gene?
Find out if you are at risk - get tested
| Test Type | Testing Time | Fee |
All orders received before 3pm PST / 6pm EST are shipped out the same business day. All orders received after 3pm PST / 6pm EST or on weekends or holidays are shipped out the following business day. 24/7 online status check and account management available for all tests.
Possible Outcomes
We each inherit two copies of the HBB gene – one from each parent. This DNA analysis determines whether or not each copy of the HBB gene is normal (β), carries a β+ mutation that results in reduced β-globin production or carries a β0 mutation (no β-globin production). These are the possible allele combinations in increasing severity from a normal healthy individual (β / β) through to a severely affected β-thalassemia major patient (β0 / β0).
- β / β = Normal
Both copies of the HBB gene are normal and there are no defective copies. There is a 100% chance that this person will pass a normal copy of the HBB gene to the next generation.
- β+ / β = β-thalassemia minor (or carrier)
One defective HBB gene with a β+ mutation (reduced β-globin) and one normal copy. There is a 50% chance that this person will pass on the defective copy of HBB with a β+ mutation to the next generation.
- β0 / β = β-thalassemia minor (or carrier)
One defective HBB gene with a β0 mutation (no β-globin) and one normal copy. There is a 50% chance that this person will pass on the defective copy of HBB with a β0 mutation to the next generation.
- β+ / β+ = β-thalassemia intermedia
Both copies of the HBB gene are defective and contain β+ mutations (reduced β-globin). There is a 100% chance that this person will pass a defective copy of the HBB gene with a β+ mutation to the next generation.
- β+ / β0 = β-thalassemia intermedia
Both copies of the HBB gene are defective. One copy has a β+ mutation (reduced β-globin) and the other copy has a β0 mutation (no β-globin). There is a 100% chance that this person will pass a defective copy of the HBB gene with either a β+ or β0 mutation to the next generation.
- β0 / β0 = β-thalassemia major
Both copies of the HBB gene are defective and contain β0 mutations (no β-globin). There is a 100% chance that this person will pass a defective copy of the HBB gene with a β0 mutation to the next generation.