Hemoglobin synthesis studies of a family with α-thalassemia trait and sickle cell trait

The ratio of total globin α to β chain synthesis was determined in reticulocytes isolated from the blood of the members of a black family, some of whom had sickle cell trait with low blood HbS concentrations (25–30%). The results support the hypothesis that sickle cell trait individuals with low HbS concentrations also carry a gene for α-thalassemia.