9789. Hemoglobin (electrophoresis, blood)

This laboratory test identifies and quantifies (%) hemoglobin fractions (A, A2, F, and abnormal). It is used to detect hemoglobinopathies – hereditary disorders associated with abnormalities in the structure or synthesis of globin chains (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia).

If abnormal hemoglobin types are detected, the results are provided with an explanatory report.

Hemoglobin is a tetrameric protein that transports oxygen and consists of two pairs of globin chains (alpha, beta, delta, and gamma), which are encoded by different genes. In healthy adults, the HbA fraction (α2β2) predominates at ~97%, with minor amounts of HbA2 (α2δ2) <2.5% and HbF (fetal hemoglobin, α2γ2) at 0.5%. Using electrophoresis, these fractions are separated based on their electrical charge and molecular weight.

This test is used to detect abnormal hemoglobin fractions, such as:

• HbS – sickle cell anemia;
• HbC, HbD, HbE – structural variants of hemoglobin;
• changes in the HbA2 and HbF ratios are diagnostic markers for β- and α-thalassemia.

This method allows:

• detection of mutations (e.g., heterozygous);
• assessment of the risk of severe anemia in children;
• conducting prenatal and family screening.

When?

• If hemolytic or microcytic anemia is suspected in children.
• If the cause of anemia in adults is unknown.
• In newborns as part of neonatal screening (depending on the country).
• If hemoglobinopathies are suspected, especially if there is a family history or ethnicity in risk groups.

Who?

• Patients at risk of hemoglobinopathies due to family history or ethnicity.
• Women before planning pregnancy or during pregnancy to rule out mutations.
• Patients with suspected multiple myeloma or chronic hemolytic diseases.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: