What test is primarily ordered for evaluating thalassemia and anemia?

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is primarily ordered for evaluating thalassemia and various types of anemia because it separates the different types of hemoglobin present in the blood, allowing for the identification of abnormal hemoglobin variants. In thalassemia, there are specific alterations in hemoglobin chains, which can be precisely detected through this test. This technique provides crucial information about the type and proportion of hemoglobin present, which is essential for diagnosing thalassemia and understanding its severity.

While a complete blood count gives a general overview of the blood components and can indicate anemia, it does not provide specific details about the types of hemoglobin involved. Bone marrow aspiration is more invasive and typically used when there is suspicion of bone marrow diseases rather than to specifically evaluate hemoglobin disorders. Serum ferritin measures iron stores in the body, which is useful in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, but it does not address the unique diagnostic needs of thalassemia. This is why hemoglobin electrophoresis is the most appropriate test for these conditions.