Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test to check hemoglobin protein in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that helps cells carry oxygen throughout your body. A provider may do this test to diagnose blood disorders. It’s also one of several screening tests for newborns.

Hemoglobin types

There are five hemoglobin types:

• Type A (HgbA): Hemoglobin A accounts for most of the hemoglobin in your normal red blood cells.
• Type A2 (HgbA2): This type accounts for about 2% to 3 % of your total hemoglobin.
• Type F (HgbF): High levels are normal in fetuses, babies and children up to 3 years old. High type F levels in older children and adults may be signs of blood disorders or other health issues.
• Type S (HgbS): This type is a sign of sickle cell anemia.
• Type C (HgbC): This type C is a sign of hemolytic anemia.

How does the test work?

A venous blood draw is the most common way providers get blood samples for analysis. Other procedures are:

• Finger stick: Your healthcare provider pricks your fingertip to get a tiny sample of your blood. Your child’s healthcare provider may use a finger stick test to get a blood sample.
• Heel stick: A provider gets a few drops of blood by pricking your baby’s heel with a needle. They do this test to check for sickle cell anemia.

You don’t need to prepare for this blood test.

What are the steps in hemoglobin electrophoresis?

This test uses electricity to separate hemoglobin types. That process involves the following steps:

1. A technician places dissolved red blood cells on a cellulose strip.
2. They put the strip into a machine that passes electricity through the red blood cells.
3. The hemoglobin types react to the current by separating into separate bands.
4. The technicians compare the test results with normal hemoglobin.

What do the test results mean?

There are ranges for each hemoglobin type. For example, if your hemoglobin type F level is higher than normal, it could be a sign you have a form of thalassemia. But these test results are just one piece of information your healthcare provider will consider. They’ll explain what your test results mean and any next steps.

When should I call my doctor?

Healthcare providers may do this test because you have blood disorder symptoms. In that case, you should contact your provider if your symptoms get worse.

What is the difference between isoelectric focusing and electrophoresis?

Isoelectric focusing (IEF) is another technique for identifying abnormal hemoglobin. IEF and electrophoresis both use electricity to separate hemoglobin types.