Hemoglobin J Baltimore, Whole Blood — Qualitative Electrophoresis, Alkaline
A blood test that uses alkaline electrophoresis to look for the Hemoglobin J Baltimore variant and help identify an abnormal hemoglobin pattern.
["This test screens your blood for a specific hemoglobin variant called Hemoglobin J Baltimore."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4596-3
- Short code
- Hgb J-Balt Bld Ql Elph Alk
- Synonyms
- Hgb J-Balt Bld Ql Elph Alk
- 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, a variant of hemoglobin, in a sample of whole blood. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells, and different hemoglobin variants can have different electrophoresis patterns.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered when a routine blood count, another hemoglobin test, or a family history suggests an inherited hemoglobin variant. It may also be used to help evaluate an abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis result or a low oxygen-carrying level.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and the hemoglobin is separated by alkaline electrophoresis. The laboratory checks the resulting pattern for evidence of the Hemoglobin J Baltimore variant and may recommend additional testing if needed.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation or fasting is usually required. Tell your healthcare professional if you recently received a blood transfusion, because donor red blood cells can affect the interpretation of hemoglobin testing.
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 indicates that this hemoglobin variant is present. Many hemoglobin variants do not cause significant health problems, but the meaning can depend on the specific genetic change, the amount of variant hemoglobin, and whether another hemoglobin condition is present. A healthcare professional can interpret the result together with your blood count, symptoms, family history, and other hemoglobin findings.
Short name
Hemoglobin J Baltimore Test
Frequently asked questions
Does a detected Hemoglobin J Baltimore result mean I have a blood disorder?
Can this test detect all types of sickle cell disease or other hemoglobin disorders?
What should I do with the result?
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