<prompt> Beta Thalassemis is best diagnosed by?NESTROFT TestHb A1 C estimationTarget cells in peripheral smearHb electrophoresis  <response>: Hemoglobin electrophoresis performed after 6-12 months of age is usually diagnostic when levels of hemoglobin A2, hemoglobin F, or both are elevated. Thalassemia Syndrome -Globin Genes Hb A Hb A2 Hb F Normal Homozygous 97-99 1-3 1 Thalassemia major Homozygous 0 0 4-10 90-96 Thalassemia major Homozygous 0-10 4-10 90-96 Thalassemia intermedia Homozygous mild 0-30 0-10 6-100 Thalassemia minor Heterozygous 0 80-95 4-8 1-5 Heterozygous 80-95 4-8 1-5 Ref: Kligman, Behrman, Jenson, Stanton 2008,Chapter 462, Hemoglobinopathies, In the book, Nelsons Textbook of Pediatrics, Volume 2, 18th Edition, New Delhi, Page 2035; Harrisons Internal Medicine, 16th Edition, Page 599, 608; CMDT, 2005, Page 466 