Abnormal Hemoglobin Screen (Hb HPLC), Whole Blood

What it is:
This test uses High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to detect abnormal forms of hemoglobin in the blood.

Uses

• Diagnose hemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell disease)

• Screen carriers of abnormal hemoglobin genes

• Evaluate causes of unexplained anemia

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

• Anemia (fatigue, pallor, weakness)

• Jaundice

• Enlarged spleen

• Family history of hemoglobin disorders

Abnormal Results

• Detects hemoglobin variants such as:

  • HbS (sickle cell)

  • HbC

  • HbE

  • Thalassemias

  • Other hemoglobin variants

Risks

• Minimal, limited to standard risks of a blood draw (mild pain, bruising, dizziness).