Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) ASCP Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In delta-beta thalassemia minor, there is a characteristic alteration in hemoglobin composition due to the impaired synthesis of both delta and beta globin chains. This condition results from mutations affecting the production of these hemoglobin components.

The correct choice reflects that there is typically an increase in fetal hemoglobin (Hb F), which is composed of two alpha and two gamma chains. This increase is a compensatory response because the production of normal beta globin is reduced. Along with this rise in Hb F, a decrease in levels of both hemoglobin A (Hb A) and hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2) occurs.

The decrease in Hb A is because this hemoglobin, consisting of two alpha and two beta chains, cannot be produced adequately due to the reduced synthesis of beta chains in delta-beta thalassemia. Additionally, the change in Hb A2 levels can also occur due to alterations in delta chain production.

This alteration in hemoglobin composition is critical for understanding the pathophysiology of the condition and helps in distinguishing delta-beta thalassemia from other forms of thalassemia and anemias during laboratory diagnosis and evaluation.