Haematology: beta thalassaemia trait: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Haematology: beta thalassaemia trait

Sample item

A 22-year-old has Hb 10.5 g/dL, MCV 62 fL, RBC count 5.8 x 10^12/L, normal ferritin and normal RDW. Which finding would confirm the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. HbA2 above 3.5% on HPLC

A high red cell count with a very low MCV and a Mentzer index below 13 suggests thalassaemia trait. A raised HbA2 on HPLC confirms beta thalassaemia trait, and iron should be avoided unless deficiency is shown.

Option by option

  • A. Raised HbF with absent HbA

    Raised HbF with absent HbA indicates beta thalassaemia major.

  • B. Ringed sideroblasts in marrow

    Ringed sideroblasts indicate sideroblastic anaemia and not thalassaemia.

  • C. HbA2 above 3.5% on HPLC (correct)

    Correct. Raised HbA2 confirms beta thalassaemia trait.

  • D. Heinz bodies on supravital stain

    Heinz bodies indicate G6PD deficiency or unstable haemoglobin.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, HbA2 above 3.5% on HPLC. A high red cell count with a very low MCV and a Mentzer index below 13 suggests thalassaemia trait.

Why is "Raised HbF with absent HbA" not the answer?

Raised HbF with absent HbA indicates beta thalassaemia major.

Why is "Ringed sideroblasts in marrow" not the answer?

Ringed sideroblasts indicate sideroblastic anaemia and not thalassaemia.

Why is "Heinz bodies on supravital stain" not the answer?

Heinz bodies indicate G6PD deficiency or unstable haemoglobin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Haematology: beta thalassaemia trait in Pathology. A raised HbA2 on HPLC confirms beta thalassaemia trait, and iron should be avoided unless deficiency is shown.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Haematology: beta thalassaemia trait?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.