Hemoglobin Fraction by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures different types of hemoglobin in your blood, often used to assess long-term blood sugar control or red blood cell health.
["Helps track diabetes management or detect conditions affecting hemoglobin structure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4580-7
- Short code
- Hgb F1 MFr Bld
- Synonyms
- Hgb F1 MFr Bld
- 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
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Your blood contains several forms of hemoglobin, including HbA1c (linked to blood sugar levels) and others. This test separates and quantifies these forms using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a precise method for identifying specific hemoglobin variants.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test if you have diabetes to monitor long-term blood sugar effects on hemoglobin, or if you have conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or other inherited blood disorders that alter hemoglobin structure.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is processed to separate hemoglobin fractions before analysis. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised depending on clinical context.
What Are Common Uses?
This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes-related complications, hereditary blood disorders, or iron deficiency, which can affect hemoglobin production or structure.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HbA1c (or Hb Fraction Analysis)
Frequently asked questions
Hemoglobin fractions can reveal underlying health issues beyond just blood sugar. For example, elevated levels of certain variants may indicate genetic disorders, while abnormal ratios could signal chronic conditions like kidney disease or anemia.
An abnormal result may suggest hereditary blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell trait), diabetes-related complications, or other metabolic or genetic conditions. Your doctor will discuss findings in the context of your overall health.
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times and your healthcare provider’s workflow.
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