This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Beta thalasemmia, Subject name: Pathology
A 22-year-old woman from a large Italian family is screened for a familial blood disorder. The results of laboratory studies include a hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL and a smear displaying mild microcytosis, hypochromia, and a few target cells. Haemoglobin electrophoresis shows a mild increase in haemoglobin A2 (7.5%). What is the appropriate diagnosis? 
Select and explain. 
A. Anemia of chronic disease, B. G6PD deficiency, C. Heterozygous b-thalassemia, D. Homozygous b-thalassemia
C: Heterozygous b-thalassemia
Answer: C: Heterozygous b-thalassemia 
Explanation: - Heterozygous b-thalassemia is associated with Microcytosis & hypochromia; degree of microcytosis is dispropoionate to severity of anemia, which is generally mild. Target cells, basophilic stippling & mild increase in hemoglobin A2 are present Most patients are asymptomatic. - Homozygous b-thalassemia is a more serious disease associated with high amounts of HbF