Hgb C Trait

Also known as: Hemoglobin C trait.

What is Hgb C trait?

Hemoglobin is the protein in the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. One abnormal form of hemoglobin is known as hemoglobin C. When a person has hemoglobin C trait, they have some hemoglobin C, but much more normal hemoglobin (hemoglobin A). This does not cause any health problems, but they can pass along hemoglobin C to their children. This differs from hemoglobin C disease, which leads to anemia and causes red blood cells to break down earlier than normal.

What causes Hgb C trait?

Hgb C trait occurs when one parent passes along the gene for hemoglobin C disease to a fetus, and the other parents pass along a gene for normal hemoglobin. A person with Hgb C trait can potentially pass the abnormal gene along to his or her children.