Hemoglobin electrophoresis


Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that can detect different types of hemoglobin. It uses the principles of gel electrophoresis to separate out the various types of hemoglobin and is a type of native gel electrophoresis. The test can detect abnormal levels of HbS, the form associated with sickle-cell disease, as well as other abnormal hemoglobin-related blood disorders, such as beta thalassemia and hemoglobin C. It can also be used to determine whether there is a deficiency of any normal form of hemoglobin, as in the group of diseases known as thalassemias. Different hemoglobins have different charges, and according to those charges and the amount, hemoglobins move at different speeds in the gel whether in alkaline gel or acid gel. The hemoglobin electrophoresis is also known to be thalassemia screening, which can also be helpful for the patient who frequently needs a fresh blood transfusion. The patient needs a blood transfusion because the body is unable to produce enough hemoglobin to satisfy the body's needs. Electrophoresis is done by the use of cellulose acetate. After running electrophoresis at 150 to 200 volts, stain the cellulose acetate gel with Ponceau red. Thalassemia major Hb F level and Hb A2 levels then increase.