This consultative study has the ability to test for the detection of almost all known hemoglobin disorders in an economical manner. Because this can include multiple tests for alpha-thalassemias, beta-thalassemias, delta-beta-thalassemia, hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) and for all known Hb variants, an expert in these disorders can guide testing to explain the clinical question or CBC values. This evaluation is particularly useful for complete classification of compound combinations of Hb S with alpha- or beta-thalassemia, Hb E/beta-0-thalassemia, and many other complex thalassemic disorders. Since iron deficiency can mimic thalassemias, ferritin levels are measured to evaluate this possibility. The thalassemias are a group of disorders of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis. Normal adult Hb consists of 2 alpha globin chains (encoded by 2 pairs of alpha globin genes, each pair located on chromosome 16), and 2 beta globin chains (encoded by 2 beta globin genes, each located on chromosome 11). Thalassemia syndromes result from an underproduction of 1 or 2 types of globin chains and are characterized by the type (alpha, beta, delta) and magnitude of underproduction (number of defective genes) and the severity of clinical symptoms (minor, intermedia, major). The severity of the clinical and hematologic effects is directly related to the imbalance of alpha-like to beta-like chains. The most common form of thalassemia is alpha thalassemia. Hemoglobin H (Hb H) disease, results from dysfunction of 3 alpha chains, and shows a variable phenotype with most showing moderate anemia.