Hemoglobin electrophoresis test

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is done to:

• Find each type of hemoglobin in the blood. This can be used to diagnose certain types of anemia (such as thalassemia).
• Check treatment for diseases that have abnormal types of hemoglobin in the blood.
• Help couples find out how likely they are to have a child with certain forms of anemia that can be passed from a parent to a child (inherited).

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

Tell your doctor if you are getting iron therapy for iron deficiency anemia.

Results are ready in several days.

Normal

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

High and low values

• Higher-than-normal amounts of both hemoglobin A2 and hemoglobin F may mean a mild form of thalassemia is present. A very low level of hemoglobin A and a high level of hemoglobin F may mean a more severe form of thalassemia. High levels of hemoglobin F may be seen in a rare condition called hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin.
• Hemoglobin S in moderate amounts can mean that sickle cell trait is present. Hemoglobin S in high amounts means sickle cell disease.
• Hemoglobin C in low amounts can mean that hemoglobin C trait is present. Hemoglobin C in high amounts means hemoglobin C disease, which causes anemia and an enlarged spleen.
• Hemoglobin types S and C mean hemoglobin S-C disease, which causes a mild or moderate form of sickle cell disease.
• Hemoglobin E in low amounts means the presence of hemoglobin E trait. 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. But many types of abnormal hemoglobin have been found.