HBB and anemia: Thalassemia intermedia is a clinical classification which includes all the heterogeneous phenotypes of decreased beta-globin production which, occasionally, may lead to transfusion need. The heterozygous state (heterozygous beta-thalassemia, HBT), also known as beta-thalassemia trait or beta-thalassemia minor usually manifests as mild, asymptomatic anemia not requiring any specific treatment.