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 test often used to diagnose diseases such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and other genetic disorders.

Overview

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a method used to identify and measure the different types of hemoglobin present in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. There are several types of hemoglobin, including hemoglobin A, hemoglobin A2, hemoglobin F, and variants such as hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C.

Procedure

The procedure for hemoglobin electrophoresis involves taking a blood sample from the patient. The blood is then placed on a special type of gel and an electric current is applied. The different types of hemoglobin move at different speeds through the gel, allowing them to be separated and identified.

Uses

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is used to diagnose various genetic disorders that affect the hemoglobin in red blood cells. These include:

• Sickle cell anemia: This is a condition where the red blood cells become sickle-shaped due to abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin electrophoresis can detect the presence of hemoglobin S, which is characteristic of this condition.
• Thalassemia: This is a group of disorders that result in the production of abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin electrophoresis can detect the presence of hemoglobin A2 and F, which are increased in this condition.
• Other genetic disorders: Hemoglobin electrophoresis can also detect other variants of hemoglobin that may be associated with different genetic disorders.

Risks

As with any blood test, there are some risks associated with hemoglobin electrophoresis. These include pain or bruising at the site of the blood draw, fainting or feeling lightheaded, and infection.

See Also

• Blood test
• Genetic disorder
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia

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