Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies: worldwide experience

Prenatal testing for hemoglobinopathies is now a reality, using both fetal blood and fetal fibroblast DNA. New techniques are being developed in the laboratories, and new skills by the obstetricians. Until thalassemia and sickle cell anemia can be cured, they will remain costly public health problems in specific parts of the world. Prenatal testing has provided an additional consideration for the governments and the families in such places, providing an acceptable alternative in many cases.