What is Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

 
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a type of blood test which is used to detect diverse types of hemoglobin. It makes use of the principles of the gel electrophoresis in order to separate out the different sorts of hemoglobin. This test has the ability of detecting the abnormal levels of the HbS, This type of test is performed when the doctor suspects that the patient is suffering from some genetic disease which has developed from abnormal hemoglobin, like that of sickle cell anemia. In this type of electrophoresis, hemoglobin particles are located in the electric field, which is a form associated with the sickle-cell disease.
 

Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

Other irregular Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

 
It is also used to detect different irregular hemoglobin-related blood problems like the hemoglobin C. Hemoglobin electrophoresis also helps to detect the deficiency of any normal condition of hemoglobin, as known in the disease of thalassemias.
 

There are four major types of hemoglobin:

• Hemoglobin A, is the most important component of hemoglobin present in the adult’s red blood cells
• Hemoglobin C, is a type of hemoglobin variant which is chiefly found in black population that and it causes hemolytic anemia
• Hemoglobin F, is the main component of hemoglobin in the fetus and it may even be present in little quantities in the adults
• Hemoglobin S, is a type of hemoglobin variant that is principally found in black population and causes sickle cell anemia

Hemoglobin charges

 
Diverse hemoglobin come with different charges, and it is on the basis of these charges and amount, that the hemoglobins are found to operate at different speeds both in the alkaline gel and the acid gel. The Hemoglobin electrophoresis is popularly known as the thalessemia screening, and it is highly helpful for those people who are in constant need of transfusion of fresh blood. This kind of blood transfusion is required by those people whose body has lost the ability to produce enough amount of Hemoglobin needed for the body.
 

How is Hemoglobin electrophoresis conducted

 
Now, how is Hemoglobin electrophoresis conducted? Well, the doctor often makes use of this test in order to diagnose the diseases which consist of abnormal hemoglobin production. Doctors often order this test when it is seen that a child has a family history of hemoglobinopathy or suffers from some problem of iron deficiency. In many places this test is performed as an element of the series of blood tests carried out as a part of newborn screening. It is used to avoid falling prey to potentially life-threatening problems.