Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test that measures the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. It also checks for hemoglobinopathy, disorders involving abnormal types of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells.

It carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. There are a few different types of normal and abnormal hemoglobin. Normal types of hemoglobin include: Hemoglobin (Hgb) A, the most common type of hemoglobin in healthy adults.; Hemoglobin (Hgb) F, fetal hemoglobin.

This type of hemoglobin is found in unborn babies and newborns. HgbF is usually replaced by HgbA by age one to two years.; If levels of HgbA or HgbF are too high or too low, it can be a sign of certain types of anemia. Normal, healthy red blood cells are flexible, so they can move easily through blood vessels.

But abnormal hemoglobin can change the size and shape of your red blood cells. This can cause the cells to clump and block blood flow, making it difficult to carry oxygen in your body well. Your body may break down these cells sooner than usual, causing anemia.

Abnormal types of hemoglobin include: Hemoglobin (Hgb) S. This type of hemoglobin causes sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders in which you have stiff, sticky, sickle-shaped red blood cells.

These sickle cells can get stuck in the blood vessels. This can block the blood flow to the organs, which can cause severe and chronic pain, infections, and other complications. Sickle cell disease is inherited (passed down in families).

In the United States, it is most common in Black and African American people.; Hemoglobin (Hgb) C. This type of hemoglobin does not carry oxygen well. It can cause a mild form of anemia.

In the United States, it is most common in Black and African American people.; Hemoglobin (Hgb) E. This type of hemoglobin is mostly found in people of Southeast Asian descent. People with HgbE usually have no symptoms or mild symptoms of anemia.; A hemoglobin electrophoresis test applies an electric current to a blood sample.

This separates the normal and abnormal types of hemoglobin. Each type of hemoglobin can then be measured individually and compared with the normal level.

Why this test is done

You may need testing if you have symptoms of a hemoglobin disorder such as anemia or sickle cell disease.

Symptoms of anemia may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)

Symptoms of sickle cell disease may include:

• Painful swelling of the hands and feet
• Fatigue or fussiness in infants (from the anemia caused by sickle cell disease)
• Growth problems (in children)
• Jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellowish
• Severe pain

If you've just had a baby, your newborn will be tested as part of a newborn screening. Newborn screening is a group of tests given to most American babies shortly after birth. The screening checks for many different serious conditions.

If these conditions are found early, treatment can start right away. Early treatment may help prevent serious health problems for the baby.

You may also want testing during pregnancy if you are at risk of having a child with sickle cell disease or another inherited hemoglobin disorder. Risk factors include:

• Family history, including already having a child with a hemoglobin disorder.
• Ethnic background:
• In the United States, most people with sickle cell disease are Black or African American.
• Thalassemia, another inherited hemoglobin disorder, is most common among people of Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Southern Asian, and African descent.

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for a hemoglobin electrophoresis test.

Sample type

Blood

Other names for this test

Hb electrophoresis, hemoglobin evaluation, hemoglobinopathy evaluation, hemoglobin fractionation, Hb ELP, Hb IEF, sickle cell screen