Understanding the Haemoglobin Electrophoresis blood test

Haemoglobin Electrophoresis is a specialised blood test that separates and measures different forms of haemoglobin present in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen around the body, and variations in its structure can affect oxygen delivery and red blood cell function.

This test is used to identify abnormal haemoglobin variants and altered haemoglobin patterns associated with inherited blood conditions. Commonly assessed variants include normal adult haemoglobin (HbA), foetal haemoglobin (HbF), and abnormal forms such as HbS, HbC, or HbE.

Haemoglobin Electrophoresis plays a key role in diagnosing sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, and haemoglobin carrier states, and is often used alongside a full blood count and iron studies.

When a Haemoglobin Electrophoresis test is recommended

This test is recommended when there is suspicion of an inherited haemoglobin disorder or when abnormal red blood cell results need further clarification. Many carriers of haemoglobin variants have no symptoms, making blood testing essential.

It is also commonly used in screening programmes, family studies, and pre-conception or antenatal care.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Have unexplained anaemia
• Have abnormal red blood cell indices
• Have a family history of sickle cell disease or thalassaemia
• Are from an ethnic background with higher prevalence of haemoglobin disorders
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are undergoing antenatal or carrier screening
• Have symptoms such as fatigue or breathlessness with unclear cause
• Need confirmation of a haemoglobin trait or diagnosis

Benefits of the Haemoglobin Electrophoresis test

1. Identifies abnormal haemoglobin variants
   Detects structural haemoglobin changes accurately.
2. Diagnoses inherited blood disorders
   Essential for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
3. Detects carrier states
   Identifies individuals who carry haemoglobin traits.
4. Supports antenatal and family screening
   Important for reproductive planning.
5. Clarifies unexplained anaemia
   Helps differentiate genetic causes from iron deficiency.
6. Widely recognised diagnostic method
   Standard test used in haematology practice.
7. Simple blood test with no preparation required
   No fasting or lifestyle changes needed.
8. Provides clear, actionable clinical information
   Guides further testing, counselling, or referral.

How the test is carried out

We offer two convenient UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is analysed in a certified laboratory
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, workplace, or hotel
• Blood is collected at a time convenient for you
• No clinic visit required
• Available nationwide across the UK

Both options provide the same laboratory accuracy and clinical reliability.

Understanding your Haemoglobin Electrophoresis results

Normal haemoglobin pattern

A normal result shows predominantly adult haemoglobin (HbA), with small amounts of foetal haemoglobin (HbF).

Typical UK interpretation:

• Normal haemoglobin pattern
• No abnormal variants detected

Carrier (trait) pattern

A carrier pattern indicates the presence of an abnormal haemoglobin variant alongside normal haemoglobin.

Examples include:

• Sickle cell trait
• Thalassaemia trait

Carriers are usually healthy but may pass the gene to children.

Abnormal haemoglobin pattern

An abnormal pattern indicates a haemoglobin disorder, such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Abnormal haemoglobin detected

Further haematology assessment is usually recommended.