In this section
The MFT Haemoglobinopathy Diagnostic Service is offered to all at risk of sickle cell disease or thalassaemia. The Haemoglobinopathy Laboratory carries out first and second line confirmatory screening abnormal haemoglobin variants and thalassaemia, we also undertake confirmatory testing for external laboratories.
All positive haemoglobinopathy screening results are reviewed at the weekly Mult-disciplinary Team meetings held with Clinical, Scientific, Nursing and Specialist Counsellors from across MFT, the genetics service and the Manchester Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre (including adults and paediatric specialists). The laboratory team work to quality standards set by, and report to, the National Screening Programme for Antenatal Haemoglobinopathy Screening.
Genetic services
Available free of charge to healthcare providers in the North West, Lancashire, and Cumbria, providing referral meet the Genetic Haemoglobinopathy Testing Guidelines. Information and guidelines for haemoglobinopathy genetic testing. Please note that there is a genetic testing consent form available on the following page.
All requests for genetic diagnosis in haemoglobinopathy which are approved under the NW SHA Indications for Genetic Diagnosis of Haemoglobinopathies algorithm are centrally funded.
Clinical Haematology
Services, policies and procedures for the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease or thalassaemia can be found in Clinical Haematology.
Support with advising on Haemoglobinopathy results please see our Information leaflet on Haemoglobinopathy Carrier States for Health Professionals
For haemoglobinopathy genetic studies contact the Molecular Diagnostics Centre 0161 276 4809.
For Red Cell Haemolytic Screen contact laboratory on 0161 746 2492
(Last reviewed June 2025)