What Is Hb Electrophoresis Test
The Hb Electrophoresis Test, or the Hemoglobin electrophoresis, is a laboratory test that separates the different types of hemoglobin in a blood sample. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. There are several types of hemoglobin, and the proportions of each type can vary depending on an individual’s age and other factors.
The electrophoresis test can diagnose several conditions that affect hemoglobin’s production or function, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. It can also monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions. The test involves running a blood sample through a special gel that separates the different types of hemoglobin based on their charge and size. The experts then visualize and analyze the separated hemoglobins to determine the proportions of each type present in the sample.
About Hb Electrophoresis Test
Learn everything about Hemoglobin electrophoresis Test before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.
Why Do I Need Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test?
- Diagnosing Anemia: Anemia disease is a condition in which a person has a low red blood cell count or hemoglobin level. The Hb electrophoresis blood test can help identify the type of anemia a person has and guide treatment.
- Finding out if you have a blood disorder: The electrophoresis test can determine if you are suffering from any blood disorders. These may or may not include sickle cell anemia and Beta (β) Thalassemia.
- Monitoring a plausible treatment for a blood disorder: If you have already been diagnosed with a blood disorder as per your healthcare provider, Hemoglobin electrophoresis may be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and ensure that the disorder is being properly managed.
- Screening for genetic disorders: Medical experts sometimes use the Hb Electrophoresis Test as a screening test to identify genetic diseases that affect the production of hemoglobin, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
- Finding other symptoms: In some cases, Hemoglobin electrophoresis may be ordered as part of a diagnostic evaluation to help identify the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue or shortness of breath.
How To Prepare For Hb Electrophoresis Blood test?
A Hb Electrophoresis Test is a simple blood test that doesn’t require much preparation. Be aware of the following factors before you appear for your test.
- Do not consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes.
- Have a nice meal but avoid consuming too many fats or carbohydrates.
- Drink ample water to stay hydrated.
- Do not take any medication unless specified by your doctor.
- Avoid fasting
What Happens During Hb Electrophoresis Testing?
Are you appearing for the hemoglobin electrophoresis test? Here’s what you can expect:
- A healthcare professional will prepare your arm to draw blood through a syringe.
- After finding the vein, rubbing alcohol will be applied to clean the area.
- The professional will then insert the syringe for a few seconds to collect blood in the vial/test tube.
- They will then send your blood sample to the laboratory for further assessment.
Finding Hb Electrophoresis Test
Should you book blood test online to check your Hb Electrophoresis levels or go to the nearest clinic and get it done by a medical professional? Let’s Find Out.
Can I Take Hb Electrophoresis Test At Home?
Yes, you can take the Hb Electrophoresis Test at home since it is a simple blood test. You can contact your nearest diagnostic center to book an appointment and have a healthcare professional visit you at a convenient time. The professionals are well-trained and carry all the required tools to collect your blood sample and administer the process safely.
How Much Does Hb Electrophoresis Test Cost?
How Much Hb Electrophoresis Test Cost?
The Hb Electrophoresis Test Price varies significantly depending on many factors:
- Location: The Hb Electrophoresis Test Cost in India may vary depending on the city or the region in which the test is conducted. For example, in Bangalore or Mumbai, it might be expensive as compared to small towns.
- Type of facility centres: The Hb Electrophoresis Test Price also varies between private hospitals, government hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Cost is lower in government hospitals as compared to private ones.
- Healthcare centres: Diagnostic centres, laboratories and hospitals may have different Hb Electrophoresis Test Cost. It depends upon the benefits and reputation of the healthcare centre.
- Insurance Coverage: Individuals with health insurance can cover partial or all costs depending on their policy coverage and network providers.
- Additional services: Additional services such as home sample collection, express test results, or additional charges for special management may be paid, which contributes to the overall Hb Electrophoresis Test Price.
Test Results Interpretation
Did you get your Hb Electrophoresis Test results but need clarification on what it means. Read more to find out.
What Do Hb Electrophoresis Test Results Mean?
Depending on the Hb Electrophoresis Test report, you can determine whether your hemoglobin levels are too high, too low, or within the normal range.
- If the electrophoresis levels are high, it can indicate hemoglobin-related disorders in your body.
- If the electrophoresis levels are low, you might have signs of anemia, which is quite common in sickle cell disease.
What Is Hb Electrophoresis Test Normal Range?
If you are an adult, the normal Hb electrophoresis levels should be as mentioned below:
HbA | 95% to 98% (0.95 to 0.98) |
HbA2 | 2% to 3% (0.02 to 0.03) |
HbE | Absent |
HbF | 0.8% to 2% (0.008 to 0.02) |
HbS | Absent |
HbC | Absent |
If your child or infant is getting tested for Hb electrophoresis, the normal range should be as mentioned below:
HbF (in newborn children) | 50% to 80% (0.5 to 0.8) |
HbF (in children up to 6 months old) | 8% |
HbF (in children over 6 months) | 1% to 2% |
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High Hb Electrophoresis Level?
If you have high Hb electrophoresis levels, it might be an indicator of the following:
- Hemoglobin C disease: Typically a disorder that leads to anemia.
- Rare hemoglobinopathy: Genetic disorders that lead to abnormalities in the way red blood cells (RBCs) are produced.
- Sickle Cell Anemia: This inherited disorder can affect the shape of red blood cells (RBCs).
- Thalassemia: Another inherited disorder that doesn’t produce enough protein, also known as hemoglobin.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low Hb Electrophoresis Level?
You would experience low Hb electrophoresis levels in the following cases:
- Bone Marrow disorders, like leukemia, aplastic anemia, etc., lead to a low count of red blood cells
- Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors, but can lead to significant bleeding, lowering the RBCs count
- Medical conditions like thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and hereditary spherocytosis can also destroy your average RBCs count
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FAQs Around Hb Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test
What is the cost of the Hb electrophoresis test?
The Hb electrophoresis test price depends on the diagnostic center you choose. Since it is a blood test, the cost will be affordable. Moreover, if your insurance covers the test cost, you won’t have to pay extra for your test results.
What causes Hb electrophoresis?
Your hemoglobin consists of HbA, HbA2, and HbF. The leading cause of Hb electrophoresis is to diagnose and monitor certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and hemoglobinopathies. These disorders are triggered by defects in the genes that produce hemoglobin, leading to abnormal forms of the protein.
What is the Hb electrophoresis test in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, experts may recommend the Hb electrophoresis test to women at high risk of certain blood disorders or who have a family history of these conditions. The test may be performed at various times during pregnancy, such as at the first prenatal visit or later.
What is a good Hb level in pregnancy?
12 to 16 decilitres of Hb level during pregnancy is ideal for an expecting woman. The minimal value should be 11 decilitres during the first and third trimesters, while it can go down to 10.5 decilitres in the second trimester.
What is the danger level of Hb?
You might be in danger of a high Hb level if it’s 16.6 g/dL in men and more than 15 g/dL in women.
What sample is required for the Hb Electrophoresis Test?
The hemoglobin electrophoresis test requires a simple blood sample to determine the hemoglobin levels in your body.
What are the risks involved in the Hb Electrophoresis Test?
There are minimal risks in getting a blood test like the Hb Electrophoresis Test. You might experience some stinging or pain in the target area; however, the pain will automatically subside in a few hours.
