HB electrophoresis: functions, processes, and results

Definition

What is Hb electrophoresis?

Hb electrophoresis or hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that is done to check the types of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. Its function is to transport oxygen to all organs and tissues of the body.

In the body, there are hundreds of different types of hemoglobin. According to the MedlinePlus website, here are the most common types of normal hemoglobin:

• Hemoglobin A, the most common type of hemoglobin present in the body of healthy adults.
• Hemoglobin F or hemoglobin fetal, found in fetuses and newborns. Hemoglobin F will be replaced by hemoglobin A after the baby is born.

If the hemoglobin A or F levels are too high or low, this condition can indicate a certain type of anemia.

Meanwhile, there are also hundreds of types of hemoglobin that are abnormal or problematic, such as:

• Hemoglobin S, a type commonly found in sickle cell anemia.
• Hemoglobin C, this type can not carry oxygen in the red blood cells properly. Generally found in mild anemia.
• Hemoglobin EThis type is common in people of Southeast Asian descent, and is accompanied by mild or no symptoms of anemia.

This test uses an electric current to separate normal and abnormal hemoglobin in the blood. Thus, the amount of each hemoglobin in the blood can be measured.

Hb electrophoresis function

The purpose of the Hb electrophoresis test is to diagnose hemoglobin disorders. One of them is thalassemia, a disorder that makes the body unable to produce normal red blood cells. This test is useful for the diagnosis process in someone who experiences symptoms of thalassemia.

Apart from thalassemia, Hb electrophoresis also aims to diagnose other diseases related to hemoglobin problems, such as sickle cell anemia and polycythemia vera.

Hb electrophoresis can also assist the process screening in married couples who have a history of hemoglobin disorders before having children. It is important to check your chances of having a child with an inherited hemoglobin disorder.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking this test?

The Hb electrophoresis test is safe and has minimal risks. That's why you don't have to worry. However, it is possible that some young children who undergo this test will feel tired or dizzy after taking this test.

Hb electrophoresis is done by testing a blood sample like taking blood in general. If your child is afraid of needles, there may be a little difficulty with this.

For more questions about this test procedure, you can ask your doctor and the medical team.

Process

What should I do before undergoing the Hb electrophoresis test?

No special preparations need to be made to undergo the Hb electrophoresis test. However, if you are on iron therapy for anemia or have had blood transfusions in the past 12 weeks, let your doctor know.

The doctor will recommend the best so that your examination results are accurate.

How is the Hb electrophoresis test process?

Hb electrophoresis is first performed by taking a blood sample, just like blood tests in general. Later, the collected blood sample will be taken to the laboratory for analysis.

What should I do after undergoing Hb electrophoresis?

You will be scheduled to receive and discuss the results. Your doctor will then explain the meaning of the results found during the test. Generally, the test results will come out within 1-2 days.

After the test, there may be some bruising or pain in the area where the injection was taken. No need to worry because this condition is normal and can go away on its own.

In very rare cases, the blood vessels may swell after blood is drawn. This condition is called phlebitis and can be treated with warm compresses several times a day.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

There are two possible results of the Hb electrophoresis test that you will get, namely normal and abnormal results. The numbers on the test results usually indicate the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

In adults, normal hemoglobin levels are:

• Hb A: 95% - 98% (0.95 - 0.98)
• Hb A2: 2% - 3% (0.02 - 0.03)
• Hb E: 0%
• Hb F: 0.8% - 2% (0.008 - 0.02)
• Hb S: 0%
• Hb C: 0%

Meanwhile, the results of normal Hb electrophoresis in infants and children are:

• Hb F (newborn): 50% - 80% (0.5 - 0.8)
• Hb F (6 months): 8%
• Hb F (over 6 months): 1% - 2%

The range of normal results from these tests may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Some laboratories use different measurement methods, or use different samples. Talk to your doctor about the results you will receive.

If the results of your Hb electrophoresis test show a hemoglobin level that is abnormal or outside the above ranges, this could be a sign of:

• Hemoglobin C disease (an inherited disease that results in acute anemia)
• Rare hemoglobinopathies (a group of inherited diseases that cause the production or structure of red blood cells to be abnormal)
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia

If you have an abnormal hemoglobin level, the doctor and medical team will immediately take treatment measures according to what type of disease you have.