Adult Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

Haemoglobin is a protein in your RBCs that helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the other body parts. There are different types of haemoglobin in the body. The adult haemoglobin electrophoresis test measures the various kinds of haemoglobin in an individual’s body.

Additionally, it looks for abnormal haemoglobin types in the body. Unlike normal haemoglobin, abnormal haemoglobin carries less oxygen in the body. The normal types of haemoglobin include haemoglobin A (HbA) and haemoglobin F (HbF).

HbA is the most common type of haemoglobin in healthy adults, while HbF is known as foetal haemoglobin. This haemoglobin type is found in newborns and unborn babies. Haemoglobin F or hgbF is replaced by haemoglobin A or hgbA shortly after birth.

If the levels of either haemoglobin are too low or high, it may indicate certain types of anaemia. In these conditions, the RBCs tend to die sooner.

This test helps doctors understand whether a patient has any blood disorder and the type of blood disorder. Abnormal type can be a sign of various hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, haemoglobin C disease etc.

Unlike popular belief, the adult haemoglobin electrophoresis test doesn’t tell individuals about their haemoglobin levels. That gets done in a complete blood test. In most cases, medical professionals carry out this test for the following reasons:

• As part of a routine check-up.
• In order to monitor the treatment
• To screen for genetic conditions in those with a family history of inherited anaemia.
• In order to diagnose blood disorders if you are showing symptoms of anaemia

Among the various abnormalities of haemoglobin molecules, some variants that are predominantly prevalent in India are Sickle cell, haemoglobin S and haemoglobin E. The tribal communities form a significant part of the nation and these abnormalities are a vital challenge for them.

The results of an adult haemoglobin electrophoresis test show the different types of haemoglobin in an individual’s body. If the different haemoglobin types are too high or low, they can point to abnormal haemoglobin.

Abnormal haemoglobin results can be a sign of various conditions. Some of these conditions include:

1. Sickle Cell Disease: In natural cases, the blood cells of individuals are flat, round and slightly thinner at the centre. As they are flexible, they can pass through tiny blood vessels.

In sickle cell disease, the blood cells are shaped like a quarter moon or a sickle. They’re stiff and can get stuck, so blood can’t get through. As the body doesn’t get ample oxygen, it causes immense pain to the muscles and organs.

2. Thalassemia: Your body doesn’t make enough RBCs or there isn’t enough haemoglobin in this condition that can take many forms. Depending on the kind of haemoglobin that is affected, thalassemia can give individuals anaemia that’s either mild or severe.

3. Haemoglobin C disease: This condition can make your spleen bigger and give you mild anaemia. Unless an individual also doesn’t have other kinds of abnormal haemoglobin, this wouldn’t be a big concern.

4. Various other rare hemoglobinopathies (caused due to abnormal production or structure of haemoglobin)

Based on the diagnosis, doctors decide how they want to go ahead with the treatment. Individuals might be asked to get a complete blood checkup along with other follow-up tests  as well. After that, based on the results of the follow-up, the doctor will decide upon the way forward.

Hemoglobinopathies (haemoglobin disorders) like Thalassemia, Haemoglobin C disease, Sickle cell disease, etc.