Mass Screening of Military Populations for Hemoglobin S by the Automated Dithionite Test

摘要

The automated screening program for hemoglobin S among recruit soldiers at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during 1971 in which the AutoAnalyzer system is employed with the dithionite test is described. Over 25,000 specimens were screened and 240 positive specimens were found. There were four SS and 235 AS specimens, and one CS specimen detected and confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis. Reagent cost is $0.02 per test and with other equipment and administrative costs this reaches $0.17 per test. Total cost of a confirmed positive test with hemoglobin electrophoresis is $19.03. One hundred and twenty samples per hour can be screened in this system which has proven to be uncomplicated. Personnel are rapidly trained in using the automated test system. Its successful application to military populations recommends its use for large screening studies in metropolitan populations. (Author)