Alpha Thalassemia (Online CE Course)

(based on 260 customer ratings)

Author: Lillian Mundt, EdD, MLS(ASCP)SH
Reviewers: Catherine Hart, MT(ASCP), Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 176 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote

See all available courses

Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 9/30/2024
Approved through 9/30/2024

Objectives

  • Define Alpha Thalassemia.
  • List the clinical manifestations of the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
  • Compare and contrast laboratory findings for Alpha Thalassemia.
  • Differentiate among the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
  • Identify synonyms for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
  • Correlate each type of Alpha Thalassemia with its genetic nomenclature/designation.
  • Explain the molecular basis for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia (Chromosome associated with Alpha Thalassemia; and the degree of defect for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia).
  • Interpret routine laboratory results for the case given and arrive at a differential diagnosis.
  • Interpret special hematology tests (Hemoglobin electrophoresis; Special stains).
  • Suggest laboratory tests to confirm this presumptive diagnosis; and suggest explanations for discrepancies among laboratory tests.

Customer Ratings

(based on 260 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Defining Thalassemia
      • Defining Thalassemia
      • Defining Alpha Thalassemia
      • Alpha Thalassemia States
      • Anemia in Alpha Thalassemia
      • Which two of the following conditions can lead to thalassemia?
  • Genetics of Alpha Thalassemia
  • Clinical Manifestations of Alpha Thalassemia
      • Alpha Thalassemia Major
      • Alpha Thalassemia Intermedia
      • Alpha Thalassemia Minor
      • Silent Carrier
      • Hemoglobin H disease is found in which ethnic group?
  • Laboratory Findings in Alpha Thalassemia
    • Hematology
      • Silent Carrier
      • Alpha Thalassemia Minor
      • Alpha Thalassemia Intermedia
      • Alpha Thalassemia Major
      • Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) are most often seen in which variant of alpha thalassemia?
    • Chemistry
  • Special Procedures
    • Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
    • Brilliant Cresyl Blue Stain
      • Hemoglobin H bodies
      • Reticulocytes
      • Normal Cells
      • Match the images of these cells stained with the supravital stain, brilliant cresyl blue, with the appropriate description.
  • Case Study
    • Case History
    • Complete blood cell count results
      • Complete Blood Count Results
      • A peripheral blood smear made from an EDTA-anticoagulated blood specimen revealed the following results when stained with Wright-Giemsa stain and view...
      • A 29-year-old patient of Philippine descent is seen by their physician for fatigue. The patient states that a relative told them that their family has...
    • Serum Chemistry Tests
      • Serum Chemistry Results
    • Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
      • Hemoglobin alkaline electrophoresis on this patient's sample is pictured on the right.Which hemoglobin bands are present?
    • Brilliant Cresyl Blue Stain
      • A brilliant cresyl blue stain was performed on this patient's sample. How should this stain be interpreted?
    • Repeat Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
      • Repeat Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
    • Summary of Case Study
      • Summary
  • Treatment Options for Alpha Thalassemia
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, and other health care personnel who have an interest in this subject matter. This course is also appropriate for clinical laboratory science students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Lillian Mundt, EdD, MLS(ASCP)SH is currently employed by AMITA Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in the Molecular Pathology Department. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Technology from Aurora College, Aurora, Illinois. Her graduate work was completed at Governor's State University, University Park, Illinois, from which she received her Master of Health Science in Allied Health Professions Education; her doctorate in Educational Leadership was earned from the University of Phoenix. Her work experience includes a position as a medical technologist in hematology for 30 plus years at Hinsdale Hospital, Department of Pathology. Lillian also taught at Hinsdale Hospital School of Medical Technology from 1981 until it closed in 1994 and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences from 1994 until the program closed in 2009.
Reviewer information: Catherine Hart, MT(ASCP) received her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology at Marquette University. She has been a Medical Technologist at Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois for twenty years and is currently a Senior Technologist, with responsibilities in Blood Bank, Hematology, and the competency and proficiency testing program of the laboratory. Ms. Hart has been the adjunct Blood Bank instructor for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program at Rosalind Franklin University since 2001 and is the Blood Bank clinical instructor at Lake Forest Hospital. As of May 2007, she joined the RFUMS CLS appointed faculty and is teaching the Hematology and Blood Bank courses.
Reviewer: Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MT(ASCP), has over 25 years of combined experience as a medical technologist, technical supervisor, professor, and manager. He is a former Director of Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Laboratory Technician Programs. He is currently a Program Director at MediaLab, Inc. Rory holds a BS degree in Medical Technology from North Dakota State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership. 
How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 176 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
BC HbH


electrophoresis image. Accessed on 9-27-2012 from: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4RNTN_enUS402&biw=1280&bih=789&tbm=isch&tbnid=_12TlEcfFb4_aM:&imgrefurl=http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03bio/background/molecular/media/gel_plate.html&docid=dBMXXUqQXFR0iM&imgurl=http


Alpha chain subunits of the hemoglobin A molecule (red circles)


alpha major


alpha minor  heterozygous


alpha minor  homozygous