How the Test is Performed
Haemoglobin Electrophoresis is a blood test, and requires a few millilitres of blood from a vein.
The test itself uses a method of determining the type and size of haemoglobin molecules in the blood, by observing the rates of transit of these negatively-charged proteins in an electric field medium.
Medical Conditions and Symptoms
Haemoglobin Electrophoresis is usually performed in the setting of a microcytic anaemia – a low blood count where the red blood cells are also small. Possible causes of a microcytic anaemia include iron deficiency and Thalassaemia (or thalassaemia trait) – a condition in which the globin chains of the haemoglobin molecule are defective.
Anaemia causes tiredness, pale skin, and shortness of breath on exertion.
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Test Results Explained
Haemoglobin Electrophoresis results quantify the proportions of different variants of haemoglobin found in an individual’s blood cells. The normal adult haemoglobin is Haemoglobin A (HbA), but normal people also have a small amount of Fetal Haemoglobin (HbF). Electrophoresis can also detect abnormal haemoglobins such as Haemoglobin S (HbS) – which is responsible for the condition Sickle Cell Disease.
Related Specialists
Related Procedures
- Blood Test (venesection)
Related Tests
- Haemoglobin (Hb)
- Full Blood Count
- Iron Studies (Fe)
- Blood Group or Crossmatch
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract (Upper GI Endoscopy)
- Colonoscopy
Also Known As
- Hb Electrophoresis
- Thalassaemia screen
Links
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
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