Hemoglobin Variant Analysis - HPLC

Thalassemias, Hemoglobinopathies(haemoglobin disorders), Sickle cell disease

Haemoglobin Variant Analysis - HPLC is a blood test that detects the different variants of haemoglobin in the blood and their levels. The test diagnoses thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies, blood disorders caused by abnormal haemoglobin form in the blood.

Haemoglobin molecules are classified into two broad categories, normal and abnormal haemoglobin. Normal haemoglobin is essential haemoglobin that transfers oxygen from the lungs. However, haemoglobin variants are abnormal types of haemoglobin that are usually inherited and are incapable of carrying oxygen.

Normal haemoglobin molecules are HbA, HbA2 and HbF. HbA is the highest amount of haemoglobin present in the blood of healthy adults, which accounts for 95-98% of total haemoglobin. Next is HbA2, which makes up 2-3% of haemoglobin in the blood. The remaining less than 1% is the HbF molecule. HbF is known as foetal haemoglobin.

Abnormal molecules or haemoglobin variants include HbS, HbC, HbE, HbD, HbG, Hbj and HbM etc. The haemoglobin S variant indicates sickle cell disease, which blocks blood vessels and makes the cells age quickly. The Haemoglobin C variant causes haemolytic anaemia (Anaemia due to excessive RBC breakdown).

Thalassemias and other hemoglobinopathies are common disorders among the Indian population, especially in babies and people living in tribal areas. RHemoglobin Variant Analysis - HPLC test detects abnormal haemoglobin molecules in the blood during pregnancy and can help control widespread haemoglobin disorders in the country. Therefore, the test is crucial in India.

Haemoglobin Variant Analysis - HPLC test range for different haemoglobin molecules in the blood is given below. HbA1, HbA2 and HbF are normal haemoglobin molecules, whereas HbS, HbC, HbD and HbE are abnormal haemoglobin molecules formed due to genetic mutations.

Haemoglobin Variant Analysis - HPLC test range for adults

Haemoglobin Variant Analysis - HPLC test range for children

These ranges might vary for different laboratories. Please consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of your lab reports.

The results of the Haemoglobin Variant Analysis - HPLC 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.

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.

An HPLC test can have varying costs depending on the city and the laboratory. Typically, the price for an HPLC test falls between INR 615 and INR 1149. Here's a breakdown of the average charges for an HPLC test in select major cities in India: