Hemoglobinopathies are genetically determined disorders that present in significant high frequencies in certain parts of the world. Despite of the existence of hundreds of known hereditary hemoglobinopathies, Brazilian studies have demonstrated that abnormal hemoglobins S and C are the most prevalent. With the objective of identifying the profile of hemoglobinopathies of blood donors at the Hemotherapy Center in the State of Sergipe (Hemose), 1345 samples of blood were analyzed. Initially automatic blood testing and electrophoreses in cellulose acetate using a Tris-EDTA-Borate buffer at pH 8.6 were carried out for all samples. Samples that presented with abnormal hemoglobins were submitted to testing for the sickle cell trait, solubility test and by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Seventy-six samples (5.6%) with abnormal hemoglobins were identified, 55 (4.1%) of which had the sickle cell trait (Hb AS), 19 (1.4%) had Hb AC, 1 (0.1%) had Hb AD and 1 (0.1%) was suggestive for beta- thalassaemia. The results demonstrate a necessity for the implantation of screening of hemoglobinopathies in blood donors, so that blood recipients benefit from good quality blood and donors from the diagnoses of genetic alterations that may be prevented in descendants.
Sickle cell trait; blood donor; Hemoglobin S
