04/11/2026
LAB CORNER 🔬
Can your genotype change?
You were told you are AA years ago. You go for another genotype test today, and the result says AS.
You begin to wonder: Can genotype change as we grow older?
The answer is NO!
Your inherited haemoglobin genotype does not normally change throughout your lifetime. You are born with it.
So why might two tests give different results?
👉Testing errors: A mistake can happen during testing or result reporting.
👉Different testing methods: Some methods may not identify certain haemoglobin variants correctly.
👉Blood transfusion: If you recently received donated blood, the donor's red blood cells may affect your haemoglobin test result.
👉Certain medical conditions: Some conditions can make genotype testing more difficult to interpret.
If you receive different genotype results, don't simply choose the one you prefer. Speak with your healthcare provider and have the result properly confirmed, preferably using an appropriate haemoglobin analysis method.
Let's talk: Have you ever heard someone say their genotype changed from AA to AS or from AS to AA?