Haemoglobin Electrophoresis: Your Key to Accurate Diagnosis of Blood Conditions

Haemoglobin Electrophoresis, a term often used in healthcare, helps to know the blood disorders. In this article, we will discuss and understand the significance of this diagnostic test and its role in managing conditions like sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia. 

We will be discussing and learning about different types of haemoglobin, the process of analysis, and the crucial distinctions between haemoglobin testing and electrophoresis. Let's have a look at the Haemoglobin Electrophoresis and its impact on healthcare. 

What is Haemoglobin Electrophoresis? 

The Haemoglobin electrophoresis test is a process where a small blood sample is taken from the patient. This sample is then exposed to an electrical current, typically through a gel or specialised medium.  

The electrical current causes the various types of haemoglobin in the blood to migrate at different rates based on their electrical charge. As a result, the haemoglobin molecules separate into distinct bands on the gel. The hb electrophoresis test normal range measures different types of haemoglobin in red blood cells. 

These separated bands represent different haemoglobin variants, including HbA (adult haemoglobin), HbS (sickle haemoglobin), HbF (foetal haemoglobin), and others.  

By analysing the positions and quantities of these bands in protein electrophoresis tests, healthcare providers can identify abnormal haemoglobin types or levels. These levels help in indicating the conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or haemoglobinopathies. 

What's the Difference Between a Haemoglobin Test and Haemoglobin Electrophoresis? 

A haemoglobin test measures total haemoglobin. On the other hand, the hb electrophoresis test identifies and quantifies specific haemoglobin variants, crucial for diagnosing blood disorders. 

What Are the Different Haemoglobin Types? 

Haemoglobin, a vital protein in red blood cells, is responsible for carrying oxygen in the body. Understanding its types is crucial to maintaining good health and for the timely diagnosis of an illness: 

1. HbA (Adult Haemoglobin): HbA is the primary haemoglobin in adults, comprising two alpha-globin and two beta-globin subunits. Its main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues. 

2. HbS (Sickle Haemoglobin): HbS is notorious for causing sickle cell disease. Individuals with this condition have abnormal HbS, leading to deformed red blood cells, pain, anaemia, and complications. 

3. HbF (Foetal Haemoglobin): HbF is found in newborns and is gradually replaced by HbA. It has a stronger affinity for oxygen, aiding foetal oxygen uptake from the mother's blood.  

4. HbC (Haemoglobin C): Haemoglobin C is linked to haemoglobin C disease due to a beta-globin gene mutation. This causes abnormal haemoglobin crystals in red blood cells, potentially causing hemolytic anaemia. 

What Happens During a Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Test? 

A hb electrophoresis test is a vital diagnostic tool used to examine different types of haemoglobin in a patient's blood. This test involves several essential steps that provide valuable insights into haemoglobin variants.  

Here's a detailed explanation of what occurs during a hb electrophoresis Test: 

1. Blood Sample Collection: The process of the hb electrophoresis test begins by collecting a small blood sample from the patient, typically through a standard blood draw. This sample serves as the foundation for further analysis. 

2. Preparing the Blood Sample: After collection, the blood sample is carefully prepared for analysis. It's mixed with a specialised buffer solution to ensure that the haemoglobin in the sample is in the right state for separation. 

3. Electrophoresis Separation: The prepared blood sample undergoes electrophoresis. This technique applies an electrical current to the sample, causing different haemoglobin types to move through a gel or another medium at different rates. Haemoglobin variants separate based on their electrical charge, forming distinct bands. 

4. Analysing the Bands: After electrophoresis, the gel or medium is examined. The separated haemoglobin bands become visible, indicating the presence and quantity of specific haemoglobin variants. This analysis helps healthcare providers identify and quantify haemoglobin types like HbA, HbS, HbF, and HbC. 

5. Quantifying and Interpreting Results: Quantitative data is derived from the separated bands, allowing healthcare professionals to determine the relative amounts of each haemoglobin variant. This information is critical for diagnosing blood disorders like sickle cell disease and thalassemia. It also provides insights into the patient's overall health, guiding appropriate medical care. 

How Do Healthcare Providers Analyse Blood Samples Taken for Haemoglobin Electrophoresis? 

After separating blood using the haemoglobin electrophoresis test procedure, healthcare experts use specialised equipment to identify and measure different types of haemoglobin. They visually examine bands on a gel or support medium, with each band representing a specific haemoglobin type like HbA, HbS, HbF, or HbC.  

By assessing the distance and intensity of these bands, healthcare providers can detect and quantify the various haemoglobin variants. Haemoglobin electrophoresis test in pregnancy is done to assess haemoglobin types and identify potential issues. This information from the haemoglobin electrophoresis test is vital as it can reveal abnormal haemoglobin levels or types, indicating conditions such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia. 

What Is the Difference Between Isoelectric Focusing and Electrophoresis? 

Isoelectric focusing is a type of haemoglobin electrophoresis test that separates molecules based on their isoelectric points, where they have no net charge. Traditional electrophoresis separates molecules by charge and size. Isoelectric focusing offers higher resolution for molecules with slight charge differences, while electrophoresis is broader in application, separating molecules by charge and size simultaneously. 

How Long Does it Take to Get Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Test Results? 

The time it takes to receive haemoglobin electrophoresis test results can vary depending on the laboratory's workload and testing protocol. Typically, results are available within a few days to a week. However, in urgent cases, some laboratories may offer expedited processing for quicker serum electrophoresis test results. 

Conclusion 

The haemoglobin electrophoresis test is a vital diagnostic tool in healthcare, crucial for identifying and quantifying different haemoglobin types. This test is essential for diagnosing and managing various blood disorders, providing valuable insights into a patient's health.  

Metropolis Labs, a leading chain of diagnostic labs in India, offers convenient blood testing services. Our qualified blood collection technicians make at-home visits and ensure that you are delivered the best services within the comfort of your home. You can access your reports easily through email or the Metropolis TruHealth app.