Q: I am a haemoglobin E carrier (34%). What precautions should I take before getting married to anyone?

A:It would be prudent to get a complete blood count and a thalassaemia screen (by HPLC) done for your partner prior to marriage to assess his carrier status as regards beta-thalassaemia/Hb E or other hemoglobinopathies. This is important as some of these states interact with Hb E carrier state and there is a possibility of a major disease in the children. Even if your partner is found to be a carrier, genetic counselling and antenatal tests can help prevent such occurrence. I wish you all the best for a happy married life.