Final answer:
In thalassemia, excessive erythrocyte destruction leads to high bilirubin levels causing jaundice, marked by yellowing of the skin and eyes. A phlebotomist collects a blood sample in a special light-protected tube to measure the bilirubin levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thalassemia is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal synthesis of globin proteins, leading to excessive destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells). This destruction of red blood cells releases hemoglobin, which is then broken down into heme and globin. The heme portion is further broken down into iron and bilirubin. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin, making it soluble so it can be excreted in bile. However, due to the excessive destruction of erythrocytes in a patient with thalassemia, there is an increased production of bilirubin. If the liver cannot process this excess bilirubin, it leads to hyperbilirubinemia. When bilirubin levels in the blood are high, it starts to seep into surrounding tissues, imparting a yellow color, which is a condition known as jaundice.
A high bilirubin level can affect the patient's appearance by causing the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. This is due to the deposition of bilirubin in the peripheral tissues. In more severe cases, the bilirubin levels can affect other organs and lead to complications.
To obtain a specimen for bilirubin testing, a phlebotomist will perform a venipuncture to collect a blood sample. The tube required for bilirubin testing typically has a light protective covering to prevent degradation of bilirubin due to exposure to light and is sent to the lab for analysis.