Clinical recommendation	Evidence rating	References
Persons with anemia from thalassemia trait should not take iron supplements unless they have coexistent iron deficiency.	C	2, 6
Persons with beta thalassemia major require periodic lifelong blood transfusions to maintain hemoglobin levels higher than 9.5 g per dL (95 g per L) and sustain normal growth.	B	2, 15
Persons with beta thalassemia major require chelation therapy for iron overload.	A	16
Persons at risk of having a child with thalassemia should be offered preconception genetic counseling.	C	20, 21