What is Hemoglobin Electrophoresis?
Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that delivers oxygen from the lungs to every area of the body. Haemoglobin electrophoresis is a diagnostic test that determines the different types of haemoglobin present in the blood and detects any abnormal types.
- The haemoglobin electrophoresis test utilizes an electric current on a blood sample.
- By doing so, this method effectively divides haemoglobin into both normal and abnormal types.
- Consequently, it enables the precise measurement of each haemoglobin type.
- This test is also referred to by various other names such as haemoglobin evaluation, Hb electrophoresis, Hb ELP, hemoglobinopathy evaluation, haemoglobin fractionation, and sickle cell screen.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat is it used for Hemoglobin Electrophoresis?
Haemoglobin electrophoresis determines haemoglobin levels and checks for aberrant haemoglobin types. It is most commonly used to help with the identification of anemia, sickle cell disease, and other haemoglobin abnormalities.
Why do I need a Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Test?
If you experience symptoms of a haemoglobin problem, you should be tested. The symptoms include:
If you have recently given birth, the newborn will be tested as part of newborn screening. The screening checks for several conditions. Several of these illnesses are treatable if detected early.
What happens during the Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Test?
A healthcare professional will use a tiny needle to take blood from a vein in the arm. After needle insertion, a small amount of blood will be collected. You may feel a minor sting when the needle is inserted or removed. This normally takes less than five minutes.
A healthcare expert will clean the baby's heel with alcohol and jab the heel with a little needle to test him or her. The provider will take a few drops of blood and apply a bandage to the wound.
How to prepare for the Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Test?
A haemoglobin electrophoresis test requires no specific preparation.
Are there any risks to Haemoglobin Electrophoresis?
A blood test poses very little risk. Individuals may experience pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside soon.
When the heel is probed, the baby may feel a slight pinch, and a small bruise may emerge. This should go quickly.
What do the results mean?
The results will show the types of haemoglobin discovered and the levels. Too high or too low haemoglobin levels may indicate:
- Thalassemia is a disorder that impairs haemoglobin synthesis. The severity of the symptoms varies.
- Haemoglobin C disease, a disorder that causes mild anaemia as well as an enlarged spleen and joint pain.
- Sickle cell trait and Sickle cell disease.
- Hemoglobin S-C disease, a disease that causes mild to moderate sickle cell disease.
The severity of a specific disorder can be determined through the results of the haemoglobin electrophoresis test. It is recommended to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider if you or your child has been diagnosed with a haemoglobin disorder. The haemoglobin electrophoresis test results are usually compared to other tests like a complete blood count and a blood smear.
Additional information about Haemoglobin Electrophoresis:
If there's a risk of having a child with an inherited haemoglobin disorder, it is recommended to consult with a genetic counsellor who is a specialist in genetics and genetic testing. They can provide you with the necessary information to comprehend the disorder and determine the likelihood of passing it on to your child.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
There may be slight discomfort when the needle is inserted into the vein, but the test is not painful.
No, it cannot diagnose all haemoglobin disorders. A diagnosis might need further examination to be verified.
Yes, it can be used for prenatal diagnosis to determine if the fetus has a haemoglobin disorder.
Yes, it can be performed on newborns to screen for haemoglobin disorders.
No, lifestyle changes are unlikely to affect the results of the test.
The average cost of the haemoglobin electrophoresis test is Rs 600 to Rs 1000.
