Hemoglobin electrophoresis

A blood sample is needed. 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.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

You 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, HbE, HbF, HbS, HbC, HbH, and HbM. Healthy adults only have significant levels of HbA and…

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 In infants and children, these are normal percentage of HbF molecules: HbF (newborn): 50% to 80% (0.5 to 0.8) HbF…

Significant levels of abnormal hemoglobins may indicate: Hemoglobin C disease Inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal amount of some hemoglobin molecules ( thalassemia ) Rare hemoglobinopathy Sickle cell anemia You may have false normal or abnormal results if you have had a blood transfusion…

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person 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:…

Elghetany MT, Banki K. Erythrocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 33. Means RT Jr. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA:…