KGH lab detects genetic blood disorders in 94 tribal patients

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

A specialized Centre of Competence (CoC) laboratory established at King George Hospital (KGH), Visakhapatnam, to detect genetic blood disorders among tribal communities has identified hemoglobin abnormalities or carrier conditions in 94 of the 121 samples tested since its launch in May. The facility, the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh, serves as a regional diagnostic center for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts.

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said the initiative was aimed at ensuring early detection and timely treatment of disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia among people in tribal areas. Of the 121 samples tested, 33 people were identified as sickle cell trait (HbAS) carriers and 23 as having homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS). Thalassemia trait was detected in 10 cases, while six patients were diagnosed with thalassemia major and another six with sickle cell-thalassemia.

Two samples showed rare hemoglobin variants, including HbD, HbC and HbE. Overall, 94 samples, or 77.7 per cent, showed genetic hemoglobin variants or carrier status. The laboratory uses advanced diagnostic techniques, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), capillary electrophoresis and variant newborn screening. So far, 70 samples have been tested through HPLC, 49 through capillary electrophoresis and two through variant newborn screening.

Samples are received from KGH, government medical college hospitals, district and area hospitals, community health centers, primary health centers and specialized tribal health facilities. Screening samples collected under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Program are also being examined. Officials said strict cold-chain protocols were being followed while transporting samples from remote areas, with blood specimens maintained at 2-8 degrees Celsius.

KGH Superintendent E. Vani said Rs.2.85 crore worth of infrastructure and equipment had been provided for the center. An additional Rs.16.93 lakh has been allocated for annual maintenance, while Rs.45.54 lakh has been earmarked for reagents and testing kits. Diagnostic tests, genetic counseling and clinical management are being provided completely free of cost. Minister Satya Kumar said early screening, timely treatment and genetic counselling could help improve outcomes for affected families and reduce the impact of hereditary blood disorders on future generations.