Hemoglobin Fraction by Mass Percentage (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures specific types of hemoglobin in your blood, which can help identify certain blood disorders or conditions affecting red blood cells.
["Understanding your hemoglobin composition may help diagnose or monitor conditions like anemia or blood diseases."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4576-5
- Short code
- Hgb F MFr Bld
- Synonyms
- Hgb F 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 Is Being Measured?
This test analyzes different forms of hemoglobin (e.g., fetal hemoglobin, hemoglobin variants) based on their mass percentage in your serum or plasma. It helps identify abnormal hemoglobin levels that may indicate inherited blood disorders or other health concerns.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, unusual bruising, or if they suspect conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or other hemoglobinopathies.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum or plasma, where the hemoglobin subtypes are analyzed using advanced laboratory techniques.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is particularly useful for diagnosing or managing conditions that involve abnormal hemoglobin production, such as hereditary hemolytic anemias or certain genetic disorders affecting red blood cells.
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.
Abnormal hemoglobin fractions can signal underlying genetic disorders, metabolic issues, or chronic diseases. For example, elevated fetal hemoglobin may suggest conditions like sickle cell trait, while unusual variants could indicate hereditary blood disorders requiring further medical evaluation.
Short name
Hemoglobin Subtype Analysis
Frequently asked questions
What does a hemoglobin fraction test tell me about my health?
How often should I get this test?
Is this test painful?
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