What is a Hemoglobin electrophoresis test?

A normal Hgb electrophoresis test result will have:

• Hemoglobin A1 (96% to 98% of total hemoglobin)
• Hemoglobin A2 (1.5% to 3.5% of total hemoglobin)
• Hemoglobin F (0.5% to 1% of total hemoglobin)
• No abnormal hemoglobin

Any fluctuations from the normal range or presence of abnormal hemoglobin can indicate a blood disorder of varying degrees.

The doctor can suggest a hemoglobin electrophoresis test for any of the following conditions-

•  As part of routine check up
• To rule out any blood disorders like thalassemia, sickle cell anemia etc.
• To gauge the effectiveness of treatment of above conditions

 To identify genetic blood diseases.

During the test your healthcare provider will collect the blood sample in a vial. The vial is submitted for analysis. An electric current is passed through the blood sample, which helps to segregate different hemoglobin into separate bands. Your blood sample is finally compared to a normal hempglobin sample to give test results.

Hemoglobin is a protein present in the blood. Hemoglobin has a unique property to bind with oxygen and carry it to various body parts.

Hemoglobin indicates the oxygen carrying capability of the blood. People with low or abnormal hemoglobin are not able to carry enough oxygen to the organs and can lead to lethargy, jaundice, etc.

The cost of a hemoglobin electrophoresis test can vary with the lab you choose and the area where you are getting the test done. On an average, the test cost can vary from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 in India.

Hemoglobin electrophoresis test uses electric current to segregate different hemoglobin proteins in blood. This helps to check hemoglobin levels and identify any abnormal hemoglobin.  Since the test results are useful to rule out sickle cell and other blood disorders, it is also called  ‘Hemoglobin evaluation test’ or ‘Sickle cell screen’.

No HPCL and Hemoglobin electrophoresis are not the same test. HPCL, also called High-performance chromatography test, is used to screen thalassemia and other blood diseases. The hemoglobin electrophoresis, on the other hand, offers a complete and more comprehensive breakdown of the hemoglobin in the test results.

The test results of Hemoglobin electrophoresis help to check for any abnormal hemoglobin. Variations in the hemoglobin levels or presence of abnormal hemoglobin can indicate blood diseases. It can indicate sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia etc. Though there are no major side effects of the test except bruising of the injection site, it is best to consult a physician before ordering the test.

• Hemoglobin A or Adult hemoglobin- Most common type of hemoglobin found in healthy adults. It has 2 variants HbA1 and Hba2.
• Hemoglobin F or Fetal hemoglobin- It is found in newborn kids and foetuses. Soon after birth it gets converted to Hemoglobin A.
•  Hemoglobin S, C, E and M – These are abnormal hemoglobin variants. Their presence in test results may indicate a blood disease.

To know more about the cost and other details about the hemoglobin electrophoresis test, contact our specialists from Yashoda Hospital and get a free second opinion from our experts.