Skip to content

Hemoglobin Variants by Surface Antigen Typing (Serum)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test helps identify different types of hemoglobin in your blood, which can be important for diagnosing conditions like sickle cell disease or other inherited blood disorders.

Quick summary

["This test checks for unusual hemoglobin forms that may affect how your blood functions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
111061-8
Short code
HBV surface Ag Msmt SerPl
Synonyms
HBV surface Ag Msmt SerPl
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
5
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82378
SNOMED
394995008
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pain, or frequent infections, or if you have a family history of blood disorders. It can also be part of routine screening for certain genetic conditions.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. The blood will be processed to analyze hemoglobin variants.

What the Results Mean

The test detects specific surface antigens on hemoglobin molecules. Abnormal patterns may indicate inherited blood disorders, but results alone don’t diagnose conditions without clinical correlation.

Common Conditions Linked to This Test

Variations in hemoglobin can be linked to conditions such as sickle cell trait or disease, thalassemia, or other hemoglobinopathies. This test helps confirm or rule out these possibilities.

Reference range

Non-smokers: <2.5 ng/mL; Smokers: <5.0 ng/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Hemoglobin Variant Screening

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means your blood contains hemoglobin variants that differ from typical forms. This may suggest an inherited blood disorder, but further testing and evaluation by a healthcare provider are needed to determine the exact cause and next steps.
How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your medical history and symptoms. Your healthcare provider will determine if and when to repeat this test based on your individual needs, such as monitoring for inherited conditions or managing symptoms.
Can this test be done at home?
No, this test requires a blood sample collected by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Home blood tests typically cannot provide the detailed hemoglobin variant analysis this test offers.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy