A 6-month-old baby with severe pallor and hepatosplenomegaly. Similar history is present in a sibling. Investigation of choice:: (A) Bone marrow biopsy, (B) Hb electrophoresis, (C) Hb estimation, (D) Platelet count
Answer is B. b. Hb electrophoresis(Ref: Nelson's 20/e p 2323-2325, Ghai 8/e p 334-335)Presence of pallor and hepatosplenomegaly at 6 months of age with a positive family history indicates towards thalassemia major, which can be diagnosed by Hb electrophoresis.