Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a laboratory technique that separates hemoglobin variants based on their electrical charge.

Clinical uses include:

Detecting sickle cell disease and trait.

Diagnosing thalassemia (alpha and beta).

Identifying rare hemoglobin variants (Hb C, Hb D, Hb E, Hb F persistence).

Evaluating unexplained anemia or abnormal red blood cell indices.

The test is performed using a blood sample.

Analyte: Types and proportions of hemoglobin in blood.

Normal Hemoglobin Types:

HbA (adult hemoglobin): ~95–98%

HbA2: ~2–3%

HbF (fetal hemoglobin): < 2%

Abnormal Findings:

HbS → sickle cell disease/trait

HbC, HbD, HbE → variant hemoglobinopathies

Elevated HbA2 or HbF → thalassemia or other disorders

Clinical Use:

Differentiates types of anemia.

Confirms hemoglobinopathies.

Guides genetic counseling and treatment planning.