Newborn Screening Results: Haemoglobin OArab Carrier

What does this mean to the baby and his/her parents?

When a baby is identified as a carrier of haemoglobin OArab  it is important to test the parents, if not done before. This way it can be confirmed from which parent this has been inherited and, at the same time, it ensures there are no risks for future pregnancies.

When either parent has been confirmed as a carrier of haemoglobin O^Arab, information on their implications can be found in the following page:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/baby-carries-a-gene-for-unusual-haemoglobin-description-in-brief/newborn-screening-your-baby-carries-a-gene-for-haemoglobin-o-arab

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If a carrier is found to have reduced MCV and MCH indices, iron supplementation is not required unless the patient’s ferritin levels are reduced.

Test the baby’s parents, if not done previously (that includes: haemoglovinopathy screen, full blood count and ferritin levels). This can be done in primary care.

• If only one parent is a carrier of O^Arab, the couple have a 1 in 2 chance (or 50%) to have children who are healthy cariers.
• If one parent is a carrier of O^Arab  and the other is a carrier of Beta Thalassaemia or Sickle Cell Disease (Haemoglobin S), refer to Clinical Genetics for appropriate counselling on their reproduction options.
• If one parent is a carrier of O^Arab and the other is a carrier of any other haemoglobin variant, reassure the couple as there is no other significant interaction with any other haemoglobin variant. 

If the couple has other children, only test them if one parent is a carrier of O^Arab and the other is a carrier of beta thalassaemia or sickle cell disease (haemoglobin S). Otherwise, there is no need to test them unless they are present with health problems. It is normally recommended to postpone testing until the age of 16, to enable them to make their own informed decision.

Stress that other family members can be carriers, so it is advisable to circulate the information to first-degree relatives (parents and siblings). They can request a test called “Haemoglobinopathy screen” via their GP.

Give the appropriate information leaflets (“Information for mums and dads: your baby carries a gene for unusual haemoglobin” and “You are a carrier of haemoglobin O^Arab).

Make sure the patient has received his/her haemoglobinopathy card.

Explain that it is still important to have malaria prophylaxis if visiting an area where malaria is endemic.

More information

If you would like more information about haemoglobinopathies and testing, please do not hesitate to contact:

Community Genetic Counsellors on Tel: 0141 354 9201 / 0141 354 9229 (secretary)

Email: Community.Genetics@ggc.scot.nhs.uk