Test Overview
Clinical Utility
This test should be ordered if a hemoglobinopathy or thalassemia are being considered. Test is performed by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) which results in a separation of hemoglobin subtypes and an accurate assessment of Hb A2 (for B thal diagnosis). Also included, if appropriate, is a Hb H preparation to exclude alpha thalassemia. A CBC and ferritin result should be included to assist in the interpretation of results. (Bah BJ, Hemoglobinopathy Diagnosis. Blackwell Science, United Kindom, 2001:20)
Method
Capillary Electrophoresis
Analytical Platform
Sebia Capillarys 2 Flex
Method Description
Includes hemoglobin electrophoresis gel card and HbH preparation if necessary based on diagnostic criteria.
Result Included
Hemoglobin A2; Hemoglobin F; Hemoglobin A; Sickle Cell Screen; Hemoglobin Variants; Interpretation
Aliases/Synonyms
Hb Fractionation; Hemoglobin Electrophoresis; Hemoglobinopathy Investigation
Specimen
Specimen Type
Whole BloodContainers
Collection Containers
Lavender top (EDTA); Yellow top (ACD)
Volume
Sample Volume
4.0 mL
Minimum Volume
3.0 mL
Collection & Handling
Handling Information
Frozen specimens are unacceptable – do not freeze. Store and send cold.
Additional Information
You must provide Hemoglobin, MCV, RDW and date of birth. This information may not be included in the report but is required for interpretation of findings (included in report). Hemoglobin H (HbH) screen may not be done unless MCV is less than 75. Hemolyzed specimens may yield uninterpretable results.
Stability
| Refrigerated | Frozen |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Unacceptable |
Rejection Criteria
| Criteria | Specification |
|---|---|
| Specimen | Frozen |
Performance & Interpretation
Turnaround Time
9 days
Results
-
Hemoglobin A%Up to 1 d: 8.2 - 28.5
2 - 28 d: 3.7 - 45.4
29 - 60 d: 11.8 - 81.0
61 d - 4 m: 35.6 - 99.9
4 - 6 m: 85.9 - 99.9
6 - 12 m: 95.9 - 99.9
12 m to Adult: 96.5 - 100.0 -
Hemoglobin F%Up to 1 d: 71.5 - 91.8
2 - 28 d: 54.6 - 96.3
29 - 60 d: 19.0 - 88.2
61 d - 4 m: 0.1 - 64.4
4 - 6 m: 0.1 - 14.1
6 - 12 m: 0.1 - 4.1
12 m to Adult: <1.0 -
Hemoglobin A2%2.0 - 3.5
Referral Location
Canada
Interface & Setup
HL7 Interface Codes
| Order Code | Result Name | Result Codes | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBELEC | Hb A | 8698 | % |
| Hb F | 8697 | % | |
| Hb A2 | 8696 | % | |
| Sickle Cell Screen | 8694 | ||
| Hb H Preparation | 8695 | ||
| Cellulose Acetate | 63543 | ||
| Tech Comment | 40002 | ||
| Hemoglobin (G/L) in blood | 65163 | g/L | |
| MCV (FL) | 65164 | fL | |
| RDW-CV | 65165 | % | |
| HBS | 65166 | % | |
| HBC | 65167 | % | |
| HBE | 65168 | % | |
| HB LEPORE | 65169 | % | |
| HBD | 65170 | % | |
| HBH | 65171 | % | |
| HBG | 65172 | % | |
| HBJ | 65173 | % | |
| Unidentified Hb | 65900 | % | |
| Hematologist Interpretation | 38470 |
Test Version
Last Updated
2025-09-15