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Hemoglobin electrophoresis

• Overview
• Risks
• Results

Alternative Names:

Hb electrophoresis; Hgb electrophoresis

Normal Values:

In adults, these hemoglobin molecules make up the following percentages of total hemoglobin:

• Hgb A1: 95% to 98%
• Hgb A2: 2% to 3%
• Hgb F: 0.8% to 2%
• Hgb S: 0%
• Hgb C: 0%

In infants and children, these hemoglobin molecules make up the following percentages of total hemoglobin:

• Hgb F (newborn): 50% to 80%
• Hgb F (6 months): 8%
• Hgb F (over 6 months): 1% to 2%

What abnormal results mean:

The presence of significant levels of abnormal hemoglobins may indicate:

• Hemoglobin C disease
• Rare hemoglobinopathy
• Sickle cell anemia

This test also may be performed if the health care provider suspects the condition thalassemia .

• Review Date: 4/27/2007
• Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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