What is a hemoglobin electrophoresis?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that measures different types of a protein called hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It’s sometimes called “hemoglobin evaluation” or “sickle cell screen.”. Newborns automatically get this test because it’s the law.
When can I have the hemoglobin electrophoresis test after blood transfusion?
In general, it is best not to have the hemoglobin electrophoresis test within 12 weeks of a blood transfusion, because it is possible for results to be confounded by hemoglobins from the transfused red blood cells.
How long does it take to get the results of hemoglobin?
Processing the test may take about an hour, but it may be a few days before your healthcare provider receives and evaluates the test results. What do my results mean? There are ranges for each hemoglobin type.
How does electrophoresis work in the laboratory?
In the laboratory, a process called electrophoresis passes an electrical current through the hemoglobin in your blood sample. This causes the different types of hemoglobin to separate into different bands.
How long does it take to get hemoglobin electrophoresis results?
When Are Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test Results Ready? Blood samples are processed by a machine, and it may take a day or two for the results to be available. If the test results show signs of a problem, the doctor might order other tests to figure out what the problem is and how to treat it.
What conditions can be diagnosed with hemoglobin electrophoresis?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is the process healthcare providers use to analyze hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin electrophoresis helps diagnose serious conditions like sickle cell anemia. It's also one of several tests that screen newborn babies for sickle cell anemia and other rare but serious illnesses.
What is a hemoglobin electrophoresis test?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that measures different types of a protein called hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It's sometimes called “hemoglobin evaluation” or “sickle cell screen.” Newborns automatically get this test because it's the law.
What is the procedure of hemoglobin electrophoresis?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is done by placing a small amount of blood on special paper or a special gel and exposing it to an electrical current. Different globins have different electrical charges and can be differentiated from one another based on their behaviors when exposed to an electrical current.
Can all abnormal hemoglobin be diagnosed by electrophoresis?
Patients should be screened with a hemoglobin electrophoresis which is able to detect not only the abnormal hemoglobin S of sickle cell anemia, but also other abnormal hemoglobin variants which may cause disease. Solubility testing such as the Sickledex is not sufficient.
What is a critically low hemoglobin level?
A severe low hemoglobin level for men is 13.5 gm/dL or lower. For women, a severe low hemoglobin level is 12 gm/dL.
How much does Hb electrophoresis cost?
The cost of HPLC Hemoglobin Electrophoresis in India varies from ₹ 450 to ₹ 800 in 21 cities of India. The lowest price of HPLC Hemoglobin Electrophoresis, amongst the metro cities, is at Delhi. HPLC Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Costs ₹ 450 in Delhi. The market price is much higher at ₹ 1000.
Do you need to fast for hemoglobin electrophoresis?
You don't need to do anything special to prepare for a hemoglobin electrophoresis. You usually need to go to a lab to have your blood drawn.
What diseases cause low hemoglobin?
Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal include:Aplastic anemia.Cancer.Certain medications, such as antiretroviral drugs for HIV infection and chemotherapy drugs for cancer and other conditions.Chronic kidney disease.Cirrhosis.Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)More items...
Why do I need hemoglobin electrophoresis?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis measures hemoglobin levels and looks for abnormal types of hemoglobin. It's most often used to help diagnose anemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders.
What are the types of abnormal hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin E in high amounts means hemoglobin E disease, which causes anemia and smaller-than-normal red blood cells. Hemoglobin types other than S, C, D, and E are rare.
What does a positive hemoglobin screen mean?
Positive results mean Hgb S is present and sickle cells were seen. Your healthcare provider will confirm these results with hemoglobin electrophoresis. A positive result may also mean that you have another blood disease and may need more tests.
When do you use hemoglobin electrophoresis?
To diagnose blood disorders: Your doctor may have you do a hemoglobin electrophoresis test if you're showing symptoms of anemia. The test will help them find any abnormal types of hemoglobin in your blood. These could be a sign of disorders including: sickle cell anemia.
What is protein electrophoresis blood test for?
The test separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge. The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins. The presence of M proteins can be a sign of a type of cancer called myeloma, or multiple myeloma.
What is electrophoresis used for?
Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge. An electric current is used to move the molecules through a gel or other matrix.
What are the 4 types of hemoglobin?
In adults, these are normal percentages of different hemoglobin molecules:HbA: 95% to 98% (0.95 to 0.98)HbA2: 2% to 3% (0.02 to 0.03)HbE: Absent.HbF: 0.8% to 2% (0.008 to 0.02)HbS: Absent.HbC: Absent.
What does hemoglobin electrophoresis indicate?
A hemoglobin electrophoresis will indicate if there are any abnormal types of hemoglobin caused by genetic disorders.
Why do you need hemoglobin electrophoresis?
You acquire different abnormal types of hemoglobin by inheriting gene mutations on the genes that are responsible for producing hemo globin. Your doctor may recommend a hemoglobin electrophoresis test to determine if you have a disorder that causes the production of abnormal hemoglobin.
What test is done to check for anemia?
2. To diagnose blood disorders: Your doctor may have you do a hemoglobin electrophoresis test if you’re showing symptoms of anemia. The test will help them find any abnormal types of hemoglobin in your blood. These could be a sign of disorders including:
How does electrophoresis work?
In the laboratory, a process called electrophoresis passes an electrical current through the hemoglobin in your blood sample. This causes the different types of hemoglobin to separate into different bands. Your blood sample is then compared to a healthy sample to determine which types of hemoglobin are present.
What are the different types of hemoglobin?
There are hundreds of different types of hemoglobin. They include: 1 Hemoglobin F: This is also known as fetal hemoglobin. It’s the type found in growing fetuses and newborns. It’s replaced with hemoglobin A soon after birth. 2 Hemoglobin A: This is also known as adult hemoglobin. It’s the most common type of hemoglobin. It’s found in healthy children and adults. 3 Hemoglobin C, D, E, M, and S: These are rare types of abnormal hemoglobin caused by genetic mutations.
What are the rare types of abnormal hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin C, D, E, M, and S: These are rare types of abnormal hemoglobin caused by genetic mutations.
What is the name of the hemoglobin that is found in growing fetuses and newborns?
There are hundreds of different types of hemoglobin. They include: Hemoglobin F: This is also known as fetal hemoglobin. It’s the type found in growing fetuses and newborns. It’s replaced with hemoglobin A soon after birth.
What is hemoglobin electrophoresis?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test commonly used to diagnose and characterize disorders of hemoglobin, called hemoglobinopathies. Hemoglobin is a complex protein, contained within the red blood cells, whose job is to carry and deliver oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin picks up oxygen from your lungs, ...
How long does it take to hear hemoglobin results?
You should expect to hear the results of your hemoglobin electrophoresis test within a few days to a week. If your test is normal, it may be that that's all you will hear.
How many globins are in a hemoglobin molecule?
The four globin units in a hemoglobin molecule consist of two alpha-like and two beta-like chains.
What is the best way to test for hemoglobinopathy?
Currently, in the U.S., the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening for hemoglobinopathy for all pregnant women by performing CBC testing, followed by a hemoglobin electrophoresis if the CBC is abnormal; or if the woman is at higher risk for a hemoglobinopathy based on ethnicity. 1 Women of African, Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, West Indian, or Middle Eastern descent are at higher risk for hemoglobinopathies. The male partners of women who are found to have hemoglobinopathies should also have screening if they are considering having a child.
How long after blood transfusion can you get a hemoglobin test?
In general, it is best not to have the hemoglobin electrophoresis test within 12 weeks of a blood transfusion, because it is possible for results to be confounded by hemoglobins from the transfused red blood cells.
How does hemoglobin bind to oxygen?
Based on local environmental factors (especially the acidity of the blood and the local concentration of oxygen), the globin subunits change their shapes, as needed, to alter the affin ity of their respective heme groups for oxygen. This calibrated oxygen affinity of hemoglobin allows oxygen molecules to be picked up, and then released, at just the right times.
What is the function of a hemoglobin unit?
It is the job of the heme group to bind and carry oxygen, and to release it to the peripheral tissues at the right time. Each hemoglobin molecule can bind four oxygen molecules.
When Are Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test Results Ready?
Blood samples are processed by a machine, and it may take a day or two for the results to be available. If the test results show signs of a problem, the doctor might order other tests to figure out what the problem is and how to treat it.
What Is a Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test?
Hemoglobin is the protein inside of red blood cells that carries oxygen. A hemoglobin electrophoresis test measures the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. Normal hemoglobin carries and delivers oxygen well, but some abnormal types of hemoglobin do not.
How long does a bruise on a blood test last?
A small bruise or mild soreness around the blood test site is common and can last for a few days. Get medical care for your child if the discomfort gets worse or lasts longer. If you have questions about the hemoglobin electrophoresis test, speak with your doctor or the health professional doing the blood draw.
Where to insert a blood draw?
insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand) pull the blood sample into a vial or syringe. take off the elastic band and remove the needle from the vein. In babies, blood draws are sometimes done as a "heel stick collection.".
Can you wear a T-shirt for hemoglobin?
This can affect the hemoglobin electrophoresis test. Wearing a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt for the test can make things easier for your child, and you also can bring along a toy or book as a distraction.
Can I Stay With My Child During a Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test?
Parents usually can stay with their child during a blood test. Encourage your child to relax and stay still because tensing muscles can make it harder to draw blood. Your child might want to look away when the needle is inserted and the blood is collected. Help your child to relax by taking slow deep breaths or singing a favorite song.
Why do I need hemoglobin electrophoresis?
You may need testing if you have symptoms of a hemoglobin disorder. These include:
What is the function of hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. There are several different types of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test that measures the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. It also looks for abnormal types of hemoglobin.
What is the most common type of hemoglobin in healthy adults?
It also looks for abnormal types of hemoglobin. Normal types of hemoglobin include: Hemoglobin (Hgb) A, the most common type of hemoglobin in healthy adults. Hemoglobin (Hgb) F, fetal hemoglobin. This type of hemoglobin is found in unborn babies and newborns. HgbF is replaced by HgbA shortly after birth.
What does it mean when your HGBF is too high?
HgbF is replaced by HgbA shortly after birth. If levels of HgbA or HgbF are too high or too low, it can indicate certain types of anemia. Abnormal types of hemoglobin include: Hemoglobin (Hgb) S. This type of hemoglobin is found in sickle cell disease.
What to do if you have inherited hemoglobin?
If you are at risk of having a child with an inherited hemoglobin disorder, you may want to speak to a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor is a specially trained professional in genetics and genetic testing. He or she can help you understand the disorder and your risk of passing it along to your child. References.
Can hemoglobin cause anemia?
It can cause a mild form of anemia. Hemoglobin (Hgb) E. This type of hemoglobin is mostly found in people of Southeast Asian descent. People with HgbE usually have no symptoms or mild symptoms of anemia. A hemoglobin electrophoresis test applies an electric current to a blood sample.
Is there anything else I need to know about hemoglobin electrophoresis?
If you are at risk of having a child with an inherited hemoglobin disorder, you may want to speak to a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor is a specially trained professional in genetics and genetic testing. He or she can help you understand the disorder and your risk of passing it along to your child.
How long does it take for a blood transfusion to show abnormal results?
Inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin ( thalassemia) You may have false normal or abnormal results if you have had a blood transfusion within 12 weeks of this test.
Why do you need a hemoglobin test?
You may have this test if your health care provider suspects that you have a disorder caused by abnormal forms of hemoglobin ( hemoglobinopathy ).
What is HBC in medical terms?
HbC is an abnormal form of hemoglobin associated with hemolytic anemia. The symptoms are much milder than they are in sickle cell anemia. Other, less common, abnormal Hb molecules cause other types of anemia.
How is a blood test performed?
In the lab, the technician places the blood sample on special paper and applies an electric current. The hemoglobins move on the paper and form bands that show the amount of each type of hemoglobin.
What is the HBA2 level?
HbA2: 2% to 3% (0.02 to 0.03)
What is hemoglobin electrophoresis?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that measures different types of a protein called hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It’s sometimes called “hemoglobin evaluation” or “ sickle cell screen.”.
What does hemoglobin look like?
Normally, your blood cells are flat, round, and slightly thinner at the center. They look like a round piece of dough you squished in the middle between your finger and thumb.
What happens if hemoglobin is abnormal?
Abnormal hemoglobin carries less oxygen. These blood cells also have a shorter life span that normal hemoglobin. It can lead to something called hemolytic anemia. That’s where your red blood cells die sooner than they should. Abnormal hemoglobin can also be a sign of other conditions, like: Sickle cell disease.
What does hemoglobinopathy mean?
Your doctor might tell you they ordered this test to look for hemoglobinopathy. That’s a catch-all word that means abnormal hemo globins. Normal hemoglobin carries oxygen and releases it so your muscles and organs can use it. Abnormal hem oglobin carries less oxygen. These blood cells also have a shorter life span that normal hemoglobin. It can lead to something called hemolytic anemia. That’s where your red blood cells die sooner than they should.
Can hemoglobin C make your spleen bigger?
Hemoglobin C disease. This can give you mild anemia and make your spleen bigger. But most of the time it doesn’t cause too much trouble unless you also have other kinds of abnormal hemoglobins. African-Americans have a higher risk of hemoglobin C disease.
When does hemoglobin reach adult levels?
This is the primary hemoglobin produced by the fetus during pregnancy; its production usually falls shortly after birth and reaches adult levels by 1-2 years. Hemoglobinopathies occur when changes (variants) in the genes that provide information for making the globin chains cause changes in the proteins.
When is hemoglobinopathy tested?
In addition, it is often used for prenatal screening when a parent is at high risk or when parents have a child who has a hemoglobino pathy.
What is hemoglobinopathy evaluation?
A hemoglobinopathy evaluation is a group of tests that determines the presence and relative amounts of abnormal forms of hemoglobin in order to screen for and/or diagnose ...
Why do you need to test for hemoglobin?
Testing may be ordered when a healthcare practitioner suspects that your signs and symptoms are the result of abnormal hemoglobin production . Abnormal forms of hemoglobin often lead to hemolytic anemia, resulting in signs and symptoms such as:
What is the function of hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin (Hb) is the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that binds to oxygen in the lungs and allows RBCs to carry the oxygen throughout the body, delivering it to the body's cells and tissues. Hemoglobin consists of one portion called heme, which is the molecule with iron at the center, and another portion made up of four globin (protein) chains. Depending on their structure, the globin chains, depending on their structure, have different designations: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. The types of globin chains that are present are important in the function of hemoglobin and its ability to transport oxygen.
How long does it take for a lab to test for a drug?
Your sample may be sent to a reference laboratory, so it may take several days before results are available.
How is blood collected?
A blood sample drawn from a vein; sometime a blood sample is collected by pricking a finger (fingerstick) or the heel (heelstick) of an infant and a few drops of blood are collected in a small tube.
Clinical Significance
Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation - The detection and proper identification of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias is an important aspect of the evaluation of patients with anemia, microcytosis and erythrocytosis.
Test Resources
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Test Details
Hemoglobin A, Hemoglobin F, Hemoglobin A2 (Quant), Hemoglobin S, Hemoglobin C, Hemoglobin E, and any hemoglobin variants
Purpose of The Test
Risks and Contraindications
- The hemoglobin electrophoresis test is a blood test. Consequently, there is almost no risk, aside from the small risk of bruising, bleeding, or infection that is present with any test requiring the drawing of blood. In general, it is best not to have the hemoglobin electrophoresis test within 12 weeks of a blood transfusion, because it is possible for results to be confounded by hemoglobin…
Before The Test
- The type of hemoglobin in your blood is not related to the time of day or what you have eaten or drunk lately, so there are no special instructions or restrictions you will need to follow before having a hemoglobin electrophoresis. The sample can be taken in any facility that performs standard blood drawing, at any time of day. Typically it is done in a healthcare provider's office, …
During The Test
- The hemoglobin electrophoresis test is done with a standard blood draw. A tourniquet will be placed on your arm and a technician will feel for a suitable vein. Your skin will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe, and a needle will be inserted into the vein and the blood sample taken. After blood is drawn, a small bandage or gauze patch will be applied. You will then be allowed to go home.
After The Test
- Complications from a blood draw are extremely unusual. Keep an eye out for any further bleeding, bruising, or inflammation or infection. If bleeding should occur, place more pressure on the puncture site for 5 to 10 minutes, and if the problem persists, call your healthcare provider. You should also call your healthcare provider if you see signs of inflammation or infection (redness, t…
Interpreting Results
- You should expect to hear the results of your hemoglobin electrophoresis test within a few days to a week. If your test is normal, it may be that that's all you will hear. However, you may get a more detailed report—or you may ask for a detailed report—even if the test is normal. Normal Hemoglobin Values In adults, normal values for hemoglobin mole...