Hemoglobin J Baltimore, Whole Blood — Qualitative Electrophoresis
A blood test that uses electrophoresis to detect the hemoglobin variant known as Hemoglobin J Baltimore.
["A positive result means the Hemoglobin J Baltimore genetic variant is present in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4595-5
- Short code
- Hgb J-Balt Bld Ql Elph Acid
- Synonyms
- Hgb J-Balt Bld Ql Elph Acid
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 7
- Ref high
- 56
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis-ph
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302773008
- 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 this test?
This test looks for Hemoglobin J Baltimore, an inherited variation in hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. It uses electrophoresis to examine the hemoglobin in a blood sample.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered when a routine blood test suggests an unusual hemoglobin pattern, when a specific hemoglobin variant is suspected, or when a relative has been identified with Hemoglobin J Baltimore. It is usually used alongside a complete blood count and other hemoglobin tests.
How is the test performed?
A small blood sample is collected, and the laboratory separates different forms of hemoglobin using electrophoresis. The result is reported as detected or not detected.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required for this blood test, and fasting is generally unnecessary unless your healthcare professional gives different instructions.
Reference range
Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detecting Hemoglobin J Baltimore usually means you inherited this hemoglobin variant. Many people with this variant are otherwise healthy, although some may have mild anemia or changes in oxygen measurements. Your healthcare professional will interpret the result with your blood count, symptoms, family history, and other testing; confirmatory genetic testing may sometimes be needed.
Short name
Hemoglobin J Baltimore (Blood)
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have a disease?
Can this test be performed on a routine blood draw?
Will this test detect every type of sickle cell disease?
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