Sickle Cell Disease: Expert Emphasises Use of HPLC for Genotype Test
Source:https://franktalknow.com/
Dr. Emeka Nwakamma, Chief Medical Director of a health foundation in Umuahia, Nigeria, is advocating for the widespread use of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for genotype testing to reduce Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) cases.
HPLC is more accurate than traditional methods in detecting SCD and other blood disorders. False laboratory results are contributing to marriages that produce children with SCD.
Dr. Nwakamma urges the government to make HPLC available in all government hospitals and subsidize its cost. He recommends implementing a law requiring blood group and genotype information on ID cards to prevent incompatible marriages.
The doctor suggested creating a healthcare insurance model to reduce care costs for SCD patients. He calls for measures to prevent workplace discrimination against people with SCD due to frequent illnesses.
SCD is described as becoming endemic in Nigeria, requiring increased government effort to address.
Image Source: https://franktalknow.com/
