Transfusions are a common way to treat both conditions but inadequately matched blood can lead to adverse side-effects for the patients. This test, delivered by the NHS, aims to more accurately match a donor's blood to that of the patient.
Thalassemia patients produce either no or too little haemoglobin - which is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body - and this can cause chronic tiredness.
"Matching blood more accurately is vital for sickle cell and thalassemia patients - we urgently need more blood donors from these communities to come forward as they are more likely to have the necessary blood type vital to treat these disorders."Stephanie Danso has sickle cell and receives a red cell exchange every six to eight weeks.
Genetically testing her blood should, in the future, help her receive the best matched blood, reducing the risk of producing even more antibodies.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Electric headset for treating depression trialled by NHSPatients who have tried wearing the device say it has helped with their symptoms - but questions remain over its use.
Read more »
Keir Starmer's struggled for visionary policy - a distinct approach to the NHS could change thatOne of Sir Keir Starmer's five missions is to 'build an NHS fit for the future'. He is set to lay out more details of his plans this week in an attempt to tackle the country's biggest killers - cancer, cardiovascular diseases and suicide.
Read more »
Scots NHS staff faced almost 100k incidents of violence & harassment in 5 yearsHealth boards recorded a total of 97,203 cases since April 2018 where workers were subjected to abuse, including physical and sexual assault.
Read more »
Labour’s plans for NHS reform will keep more people in work for longerExperts estimate ill health costs the economy £43bn a year overall We can't build a healthy economy without a healthy society 🖋️ wesstreeting and JonAshworth for ipaperviews
Read more »
How NHS dental treatment charges differ around UK for over-60s and people on universal creditIf you're worried about the cost of dental care, the good news is that some people are entitled to free or reduced-price treatment on the NHS It'll depend on your circumstances, where you live, and your income alys_key explains all you need to know ⬇️
Read more »
Sir Keir Starmer questioned on how Labour's 'five missions' plan for NHS will be fundedSir Keir Starmer insists his NHS proposals are costed At an event in Essex, Sky News asked the Labour leader about funding for his proposals to save the NHS Read more:
Read more »