Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Results
A hemoglobin electrophoresis test is a blood test done to check the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. Results are ready in 1 day.
Normal
Hemoglobin electrophoresis Hemoglobin A:
95% to 98% of total hemoglobin
Hemoglobin A2:
2% to 3% of total hemoglobin
Hemoglobin F:
Less than 2% of total hemoglobin
Abnormal hemoglobin types:
None
High and low values
- Higher-than-normal amounts of both hemoglobin A2 and hemoglobin F may mean a mild form of thalassemia is present. A very low level of hemoglobin A and a high level of hemoglobin F may mean a more severe form of thalassemia. High levels of hemoglobin F may be seen in a rare condition called hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin.
- Hemoglobin S in moderate amounts can mean that sickle cell trait is present. Hemoglobin S in high amounts means sickle cell anemia.
- Hemoglobin C in low amounts can mean that hemoglobin C trait is present. Hemoglobin C in high amounts means hemoglobin C disease, which causes anemia and an enlarged spleen.
- Hemoglobin types S and C mean hemoglobin S-C disease, which causes a mild or moderate form of sickle cell anemia.
- Hemoglobin E in low amounts means the presence of hemoglobin E trait. Hemoglobin E in high amounts means hemoglobin E disease, which causes anemia and smaller-than-normal red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin types other than S, C, D, and E are rare. However, over 400 types of abnormal hemoglobin have been found.
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| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: September 28, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
 | Results |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |