The use of capillary blood samples in a large scale screening approach for the detection of beta-thalassemia and hemoglobin variants.

Hemoglobinopathies are priority genetic diseases for prevention programs in at-risk populations. We implemented an accurate and simple methodology to identify hemoglobin (Hb) variants and to quantify HbA2 and HbF in capillary blood samples stored at room temperature for up to 7 days after collection. This methodology is particularly indicated for screening for carriers in primary care medical centers in which facilities for collecting venous blood are not available.