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Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test that measures the different types of the oxygen-carrying protein (hemoglobin) in the blood.
Alternative NamesHb electrophoresis; Hgb electrophoresis; Electrophoresis - hemoglobin
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedYou may have this test if your health care provider suspects that you have a disorder caused by abnormal forms of hemoglobin (hemoglobinopathy).
Many different types of hemoglobin (Hb) exist. The most common ones are HbA, HbA2, HbF, HbS, HbC, Hb H, and Hb M. Healthy adults only have significant levels of HbA and HbA2.
Some people may also have small amounts of HbF (which is the main type of hemoglobin in an unborn baby's body). Certain diseases are associated with high HbF levels (when HbF is more than 2% of the total hemoglobin).
HbS is an abnormal form of hemoglobin associated with sickle cell anemia. In people with this condition, the red blood cells sometimes have a crescent or sickle shape. The cells easily break down, or can block small blood vessels.
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 anemias.
Normal ValuesIn adults, these hemoglobin molecules make up the following percentages of total hemoglobin:
- Hb A: 95% to 98%
- Hb A2: 2% to 3%
- Hb F: 0.8% to 2%
- Hb S: 0%
- Hb C: 0%
In infants and children, these hemoglobin molecules make up the following percentages of total hemoglobin:
- Hb F (newborn): 50% to 80%
- Hb F (6 months): 8%
- Hb F (over 6 months): 1% to 2%
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanThe presence of significant levels of abnormal hemoglobins may indicate:
- Hemoglobin C disease
- Rare hemoglobinopathy
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
You may have false normal or abnormal results if you've had a blood transfusion within the previous 12 weeks.
ReferencesNagel R. Methemoglobinemias and unstable hemoglobins. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 168.
Steinberg M. Sickle cell disease and associated hemoglobinopathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 167.
What else can I help you with?
What color tube is drawn for a hgb electrophoresis?
A lavender-top (EDTA) tube is typically used for drawing blood samples for hemoglobin electrophoresis testing.
What does low mch and low mchc in cbc man?
Low mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in a complete blood count (CBC) may indicate iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. Further evaluation, including iron studies and hemoglobin electrophoresis, is usually necessary to determine the underlying cause.
How many molecules of oxygen are present in saturated hemoglobin?
In saturated hemoglobin, each hemoglobin molecule can bind to four molecules of oxygen. Therefore, in saturated hemoglobin, there would be a total of four molecules of oxygen bound to each hemoglobin molecule.
Type of hemoglobin contains iron in the ferric state?
Methemoglobin is the type of hemoglobin that contains iron in the ferric state. This occurs when hemoglobin is unable to bind with oxygen and becomes oxidized, resulting in a form of hemoglobin that cannot effectively transport oxygen to tissues.
What mineral element is connected to hemoglobin?
The mineral element connected to hemoglobin is Iron.
What is hemoglobin electrophoresis?
This test requires a blood sample. No special preparation is needed before the test.
Why hemoglobin electrophoresis test necessary for patient?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is necessary for patients to identify and diagnose disorders related to abnormal hemoglobin, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. This test separates and analyzes different types of hemoglobin in the blood to determine if there are any variants or mutations present that may be causing the patient's symptoms. Treatment for these disorders can vary significantly, so an accurate diagnosis through hemoglobin electrophoresis is crucial for proper management of the condition.
Can all abnormal hemoglobin be diagnosed by electrophoresis?
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What color tube is drawn for a hgb electrophoresis?
A lavender-top (EDTA) tube is typically used for drawing blood samples for hemoglobin electrophoresis testing.
What diseases is hemoglobin electrophoresis used to diagnose?
The test is used primarily to diagnose diseases involving these abnormal forms of hemoglobin, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
Does hemoglobin electrophoresis require fasting?
No, hemoglobin electrophoresis does not require fasting. The test can be performed at any time and is typically done using a blood sample, which does not necessitate fasting beforehand. However, it's always best to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Daughter and son both are low in hemoglobin dr said that they may have either hemoglobin ACF or S what test should you ask dr to perform on your kids?
Do hemoglogin electrophoresis
Why does sickle cell hemoglobin migrate slower than normal hemoglobin during electrophoresis?
because of the change of AA- in normal cell- from Glutamic acid (negativity charged) to Valine (uncharged) -in sickle cell- the charge will be missing in the sickle cell that why the electrophoresis will become slower because of the missing charge
Why does sickle cell hemoglobin migrate slower than normal hemoglobin during gel electrophoresis?
because of the change of AA- in normal cell- from Glutamic acid (negativity charged) to Valine (uncharged) -in sickle cell- the charge will be missing in the sickle cell that why the electrophoresis will become slower because of the missing charge
What can alter the results of hemoglobin electrophoresis?
Blood transfusions within the previous 12 weeks may alter test results.
Which Stains are used for staining globin chains of hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis uses stains such as Coomassie blue or Ponceau S to visualize the globin chains of the hemoglobin molecule. These stains help separate and identify different types of hemoglobin based on the migration pattern of the globin chains.
What is the test detects abnormal hemoglobin molecule?
The test that detects abnormal hemoglobin molecules is called hemoglobin electrophoresis. This laboratory technique separates different types of hemoglobin based on their electrical charge and size, allowing for the identification of various hemoglobin variants, such as those found in conditions like sickle cell disease or thalassemia. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor hemoglobinopathies.
