What is Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) Test? 

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a type of protein essential for transporting oxygen to different body parts. It is present inside RBCs (Red Blood Cells) and transports oxygen to different organs in the body. Sometimes, genetic problems can change the structure of hemoglobin present in our bodies. Hemoglobin can be formed incorrectly in the body due to several reasons. Many diseases might hamper the production of hemoglobin in the body. Due to abnormal production of hemoglobin, oxygen might not reach different body parts. As a result, the person may start experiencing critical symptoms. Different types of hemoglobin present in our bodies are detected via a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. If any abnormal hemoglobin is present in the body, Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test will detect it.

What is Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) Test? 

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a type of protein essential for transporting oxygen to different body parts. It is present inside RBCs (Red Blood Cells) and transports oxygen to different organs in the body. Sometimes, genetic problems can change the structure of hemoglobin present in our bodies. Hemoglobin can be formed incorrectly in the body due to several reasons. Many diseases might hamper the production of hemoglobin in the body. Due to abnormal production of hemoglobin, oxygen might not reach different body parts. As a result, the person may start experiencing critical symptoms. Different types of hemoglobin present in our bodies are detected via a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. If any abnormal hemoglobin is present in the body, Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test will detect it. 

Broadly, there are three types of hemoglobin present in our body. These are:

• Hemoglobin F: Also referred to as HbF, Hemoglobin F is detected in newborns. When the foetus is growing, it contains Hemoglobin F. After the birth of a child, HbF is replaced with another type of hemoglobin.
• Hemoglobin A: Also referred to as HbA, Hemoglobin A is found in adults. After the birth of the child, HbA replaces HbF in the body. It is the most common type of hemoglobin found in adults and healthy children. 

Besides the above two types of hemoglobin, there is a group of abnormal hemoglobin types. The abnormal group consists of some rare hemoglobin types found in the body. It includes hemoglobin C, D, E, M, and S. Due to genetic mutation or some other reason, these hemoglobin types are produced in the body. One can know about these types of Hb in the body via a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. Read on to know more about the Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. 

Who Should Get a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) Test? 

During parental screening (screening of the foetus during pregnancy), Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test is performed. A Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test is required after experiencing abnormal hemoglobin symptoms in the body. People having a family history hemoglobin or blood disorder have to take a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. The doctor may advise a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test for one or many reasons. For example, a child showing developmental problems might be asked to take a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. Some indications that require for a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test are as follows: 

• Sickle cell anemia 
• Shortness of breath 
• Genetic hemoglobin disorder 
• Pain in the upper abdomen region 
• Sightlessness 
• Stroke 
• Destruction of body tissues 
• Paleness in the skin 
• Excessive fatigue 
• Jaundice symptoms 
• Developmental issues  

Why Get Tested for Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis)? 

You might want to get tested for Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) for one or many reasons. People having a family history of hemoglobin mutation require a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test at frequent intervals. It is because they are always at risk for a genetic mutation in the hemoglobin. If you have inherited genes that might cause genetic mutation, you require a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. Several diseases might lead to abnormal hemoglobin production in the body. In any such case, the doctor will ask you to take a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test.

When Get Tested for Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis)?

If you have a family history of a genetic disorder in hemoglobin, there is no point in waiting. You don’t have to wait for a genetic disorder to occur and for the hemoglobin to mutate. People with a family history of genetic disorders should take a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test at frequent intervals. If you have undergone a blood transfusion, take a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test within three months from the transfusion date. Several bodily symptoms ask for a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. The doctor might ask patients suffering from jaundice and sickle cells to take a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) right away.

Sample Required

Lab technicians will need your blood sample to complete the Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. A small amount of blood will be taken via a vein puncture in your hand. Since only a small amount of blood is drawn, you won’t feel anything serious. Lab technicians will store the blood sample in the refrigerator and conduct testing after some time. Usually, a current is passed through the blood sample to separate different types of hemoglobin.

Is Fasting Required Before a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test?

You don’t have to follow any special instructions before a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. There is no fasting required before a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. In some extreme cases, the doctor might ask to stop some medications before taking a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test. To clear any confusion, you can consult your doctor before taking a Hemoglobin Variant (Hb Electrophoresis) test.