Hemoglobin Typing, also known as Hemoglobin Electrophoresis, is a blood test that identifies and measures the different types of hemoglobin present in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Normal adult hemoglobin is primarily HbA, with small amounts of HbA2 and HbF.
This test is used to diagnose hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, thalassemia (alpha and beta), and other hemoglobinopathies. It is commonly ordered when a patient has symptoms of anemia, abnormal results on a complete blood count (CBC), or as part of prenatal or newborn screening programs. It is also used to identify carriers of abnormal hemoglobin genes who may pass them on to their children.
