Prevention of hereditary hemoglobin disorders.

Hemoglobinopathies, of which sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia are th e two main forms, are among the most common monogenic diseases in France. S imple and inexpensive tests are available for identifying carriers. Direct prenatal diagnosis can be offered to couples with a high risk of birth of a child with a major beta-globin chain defect. Several hemoglobinopathy scre ening programs have been implemented in the Marseille area of France since the late 1970s, in schools, public health centers, and prenatal care center s. These programs result in half the requests for prenatal diagnosis made e ach year in the area.