Individuals with beta thalassaemia trait have one of their two beta-globin genes not producing adequate amounts of beta-globin chains. Similar to alpha thalassaemia trait, the individual with beta thalassaemia trait will experience no significant health problems except possibly mild anemia. It is very important to know if you are a carrier of beta thalassaemia trait because your children may develop more serious symptoms of beta thalassaemia if your partner is also a carrier or a thalassemic.

How do your know if you’re a carrier?
Determining whether or not you are a carrier is a matter of having some tests done on your blood. If your family has a history of thalassaemia there is also a chance that you could be a carrier, even if you have no symptoms. Ask your doctor or your local Thalassaemia Association for information on screening programs.