Genetic and clinical relevance of haemoglobins screening: Results from a survey in a paediatric hospital

A screening for abnormal haemoglobins was carried out on the patients admitted to a Childrens Hospital during a 16-month period using a rapid electrophoretic technique, with the purpose of finding the prevalence of HbS carriers. The results of this study show that the Cuban population has a high percentage of heterozygotes for HbS. The importance of such a screening for medical care is discussed. The frequency of abnormal “rare” haemoglobins found during the course of this survey is also given.