Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) defects, or hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia and structural Hb variants, are among the most prevalent inherited diseases and are associated with significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Screening for hemoglobinopathies in the primary care setting plays a critical role in enhancing patient outcomes and advancing population health. It promotes awareness, enables early diagnosis and treatment, supports informed reproductive decisions through genetic counseling, and facilitates access to novel therapies such as genetic modifications. Screening approaches for hemoglobinopathies have evolved to reflect regional prevalence, healthcare infrastructure, and ethical considerations. Varying strategies underscore the necessity of tailoring to local contexts, balancing cost, accuracy, accessibility, and social impact. As global migration reshapes population genetics, flexible and equitable screening frameworks are increasingly essential. This review focuses on practical techniques suitable for the screening of Hb defects in primary care. Recent advances and findings in high-performance liquid chromatography, capillary zone electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, point of care testing, and molecular methodologies are covered. In addition, strategies and approaches in multiple regions in the world are reviewed.