Haemoglobin (Hb) Electrophoresis

Haemoglobin Electrophoresis:

Why Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test?

CLINICAL INFORMATION

Electrophoresis (In Greek means “to bear electrons”) is the motion of dispersed particles relative to a fluid under the influence of a spatially uniform electric field. Electrophoresis is an analytical technique used in chemistry for separating the molecules by size, charge and/or binding affinity etc. Moreover, the application of its principle behind the phenomenon of electrophoresis is, also applied in the field of biochemistry research and bio-medical laboratories to separate macromolecules based on the size of the molecules. This technique applies a net negative charge to the sample specimen so that the proteins and/or nucleic acids migrate towards the positive charge. Electrophoresis is exclusively applied (like blotting techniques – southern blot, northern blot, western blot etc) in the biochemical analysis of unknown sample specimens of the patients. Therefore the technique of Electrophoresis is extensively applied in the analysis of nucleic acids like (DNA and RNA) and protein studies in the field of medical research and in laboratory diagnosis. In medical laboratories, the procedures such as the CSF electrophoresis method are exclusively used to study the levels of protein (especially antibodies) in sensitive sample specimens like CSF. The specimen of the patient’s / abnormal sample (marked unknown) is applied to a gel (solid medium allowing the movement of proteins) and a voltage is applied. Thus the proteins migrate along with the gel, is based strictly on their size (since all particles are coated uniformly with net charge). As the gel is stained significant amounts of protein or similar proteins will cause a visible band/bands based on the pathology. Thus in the field of biochemistry, the bio-molecules are exclusively studied. Similarly, this Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test also helps to screen, detect and confirm abnormal types of haemoglobin. It is most often used to diagnose anaemia, sickle cell disease and other haemoglobin disorders like thalassemia etc. A haemoglobin test is usually done when the patient is experiencing weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness. The signs and symptoms may point to either anaemia or polycythemia vera as the indication for this test. Hence haemoglobin test can help to diagnose such abnormal medical conditions or also to monitor the progress of effective treatment (i.efor the prognosis). Hence this test is suggested in patients with decreased RBCs (due to altered bone marrow function due to any associated diseases or its related disorders and/or reduced production of haemoglobin synthesis in case of iron or B12 or folate deficiencies and/or any blood loss such as trauma) etc. Other additional tests include Sahli’s method, flow cytometry etc.

General Instructions:

Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein. Test Preparation: None.

NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.

This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RT DIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.