Haemoglobin Hb Blood Test

What Does the Hb Electrophoresis Test Measure?

The test examines the types of haemoglobin present in your blood and their relative amounts to provide comprehensive insights:

• Identifies different haemoglobin types, including normal variants like Haemoglobin A0 (Hb A0), A2 (HbA2), and foetal haemoglobin (HbF).
• Measures the percentage of each haemoglobin type to identify abnormal proportions that may indicate disorders like thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
• Evaluates haemoglobin variants that can cause chronic anaemia or other health conditions.
• Assesses genetic traits that may be passed to future generations.

Hb Electrophoresis Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for an Hb Electrophoresis Test?

Doctors often recommend this test when patients show symptoms related to haemoglobin disorders or anaemia:

• Chronic fatigue or weakness
• Pale skin or yellowish skin (jaundice)
• Shortness of breath during normal activities
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Unexplained episodes of severe pain
• Delayed growth and development in children
• Frequent infections

Who Should Get an Hb Electrophoresis Test?

Several groups of people benefit from this important screening test:

• Individuals with concerning symptoms experiencing any of the signs mentioned above.
• People with a family history of thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, or other haemoglobin disorders.
• Couples planning a family for premarital or preconception screening to identify carriers.
• Newborns, as part of routine screening programmes, are screened to detect conditions early.
• Patients with abnormal blood test results showing signs of anaemia or small red blood cells.

Why Is an Hb Electrophoresis Test Done?

This test definitively diagnoses or rules out inherited haemoglobin disorders and determines if you're a carrier of genetic traits for such conditions.

Importance of an Hb Electrophoresis Test

The Hb electrophoresis test plays a crucial role in healthcare, where conditions like thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia are prevalent. It serves as the gold-standard test for identifying exact types of haemoglobin disorders, helping doctors differentiate between conditions with vastly different management approaches.

The test enables informed genetic counselling by identifying carriers, allowing families to make educated decisions about family planning. Results guide doctors in creating appropriate treatment plans, from simple monitoring for minor conditions to intensive medical care for major disorders and health risks. As a preventive healthcare tool, routine screening in high-risk communities empowers individuals and families with knowledge that can prevent severe conditions in future generations.

Hb Electrophoresis Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book an Hb Electrophoresis Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select the 'Hb Electrophoresis Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the Hb Electrophoresis Test Available Near You?

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for Hb electrophoresis testing through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols and ensure you receive the same accurate, reliable results you'd get at our pathology lab, without the hassle of travelling. Our commitment to accessible testing means quality diagnostic care is always within your reach.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Hb Electrophoresis Test Report?

Reports are usually available within the same day by 7:00 PM once the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get Hb Electrophoresis Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting Hb Electrophoresis Test Results

What Your Hb Electrophoresis Test Results May Indicate

The following table helps you understand what your test results mean and their clinical significance:

Conditions that May Affect Hb Electrophoresis Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your Hb electrophoresis test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Recent blood transfusions within the last 3-4 months can give inaccurate results, as the test measures donor haemoglobin along with yours.
• Severe dehydration may affect blood concentration, though it doesn't change fundamental haemoglobin types.
• Certain medical conditions, like pregnancy, megaloblastic anaemia, thyrotoxicosis, chronic kidney disease, or blood disorders.
• Medications such as hydroxyurea or erythropoietin can affect haemoglobin levels.
• Sample quality issues, including haemolysis, lipemia, or improper storage temperature.
• Age factors, as normal ranges, may vary between newborns, children, and adults.

How Is an Hb Electrophoresis Test Done?

The test follows a standard blood collection procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals:

• A healthcare professional cleans the area on your arm, usually inside your elbow, with an antiseptic.
• A tourniquet is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible and accessible.
• A sterile needle is inserted into the vein to collect approximately 3 ml of blood into an EDTA tube.
• The needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to prevent bleeding.
• Your blood sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• The HPLC method separates different haemoglobin types based on their electrical charge and measures their percentages.

How Should You Prepare for an Hb Electrophoresis Test?

Preparing for your Hb electrophoresis test is straightforward and requires minimal preparation:

• No fasting required; you can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Continue regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your doctor.
• Inform your doctor about any blood transfusions received in the last 3 months.
• Provide a family history of haemoglobin disorders or thalassaemia if known.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking adequate water before your test.
• Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for blood collection.

Diseases that an Hb Electrophoresis Test Can Help Detect

This comprehensive test can identify various inherited blood disorders and conditions:

• Beta thalassaemia, including major, minor, and trait forms
• Sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait
• Haemoglobin C disease and other haemoglobin variants
• Haemoglobin E disorders are common in Southeast Asian populations.
• Hereditary persistence of foetal haemoglobin (HPFH)
• Various haemoglobinopathies that can cause anaemia or other health conditions

Hb Electrophoresis Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Here are related tests and packages that complement the Hb electrophoresis test for comprehensive haemoglobin evaluation:

Hb Electrophoresis Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of an Hb electrophoresis test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.