The peripheral blood smear of a patient shows features of thalassemia, also presented with anemia. Family history is also +ve. The investigation was done to establish the diagnosis is -

Hemoglobin electrophoresis should always be the first investigation to include/exclude the diagnosis of thalassemia. The level of normal adult hemoglobin HbA is markedly decreased with proportionate increase in HbA2 and HbF. X-ray findings in thalassemia 1. Crew cut appearance 2. Hair on end appearance