Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) by Serum Electrophoresis
This test measures the percentage of a specific type of hemoglobin (HbA2) in your blood, which is a marker for certain blood disorders like thalassemia.
["HbA2 helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting hemoglobin production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24470-7
- Short code
- Hgb A2+XXX MFr Bld Elph
- Synonyms
- Hgb A2+XXX MFr Bld Elph
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 12
- Ref high
- 17.5
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 85018
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003004
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is HbA2?
HbA2 is one of the main types of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout your body. HbA2 is a variant that appears in smaller amounts than the most common form (HbA1c). This test focuses specifically on detecting HbA2 levels, which can be elevated in conditions like thalassemia or certain genetic blood disorders.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order an HbA2 test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, or family history of blood disorders. It’s also used to monitor conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell disease, where abnormal hemoglobin levels are present.
How Is the Test Done?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed and analyzed using electrophoresis, a method that separates different types of hemoglobin based on their electrical charge.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are typically reported as a percentage of HbA2 relative to total hemoglobin. While reference ranges vary by lab, elevated HbA2 levels may indicate thalassemia or other hemoglobinopathies, while normal levels suggest no significant abnormality.
Reference range
Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
HbA2
Frequently asked questions
What could cause abnormal HbA2 levels?
How often should I get this test?
Does this test require fasting?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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