Hematology - Red Cell Disorders: Lab Learning: Weeks 5 - 8

1. Identification of hemoglobin variants and thalassemias (Beta variant, Alpha variant, beta thal, alpha thal etc. and combinations)

• 1 to 2 teaching sessions

Post-session mandatory readings:

1. Sickle cell haemoglobin and its interactions with other variant haemoglobins and with thalassemias (Chapter 4, Haemoglobinopathy Diagnosis book)
2. Other significant haemoglobinopathies (Chapter 5, Haemoglobinopathy Diagnosis book)

2. Reporting of Hemoglobinopathy and Hemolytic Screens 

• Several teaching sessions

Mandatory readings:

1. Organization of a haemoglobinopathy diagnostic service (Chapter 7, Haemoglobinopathy Diagnosis book)
2. Self-assessment test cases (Chapter 8, Haemoglobinopathy Diagnosis book)

3. Review of testing for rare hemoglobin variants (Unstable Hb testing, oxygen affinity testing (P50), Hb M spectral scan)

• Teaching session and lab instructional videos:
  • P50
  • Unstable
  • P5N

4. Molecular diagnosis of hemoglobin variants

• Teaching session with Barry Eng