<prompt> A 5 year old girl presents with pallor, abdominal examination shows hepatosplenomegaly. Which of the following test is most appropriate in making the diagnosis?Osmotic Fragility TestHb ElectrophoresisPeripheral Smear ExaminationsExamination of Bone Marrow  <response>: The child is showing features of beta thalssemia intermedia. Definitive diagnosis of this condition can be made by hemoglobin electrophoresis which shows HbF in the range of 10-50, High HbA2 4. Criteria for diagnosing beta thalassemia intermedia includes: Clinical: Late presentation 2-5years, with relatively high hemoglobin 8 -10 gdl and moderate bone changes and hepatosplenomegaly. Serum electrophoresis showing HbF in the range of 10-50, High HbA2 4 Genetics: One or both parents can be a silent carrier, absence of heterozygosity for beta thalassemia or presence of high HbF beta thalassemia. Molecular: Mild beta thalassemia mutation, Co inheritance of alpha thalassemia, co inheritance of high fetal hemoglobin. Ref: Harrisons Internal Medicine, 18th Edition, Page 859 ; Kochars Clinical Medicine for Students By Dario.M.Torre, Page 582 