Hemoglobin Electrophoresis, Whole Blood — Qualitative
A whole-blood test that separates hemoglobin types to help identify variants such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or other inherited hemoglobin disorders.
["This test helps determine whether an unusual hemoglobin type may be present."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4613-6
- Short code
- Hgb N-Balt Bld Ql Elph Acid
- Synonyms
- Hgb N-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?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a laboratory test that separates different forms of hemoglobin so they can be identified. It is commonly used to evaluate suspected sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other inherited hemoglobin conditions.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test after an abnormal blood count, a physical examination suggesting a blood disorder, screening results, or a family history of an inherited hemoglobin condition. It may also be used to confirm the type of an abnormal hemoglobin finding.
How is the test performed?
A small blood sample is collected from a vein, usually in the arm. The laboratory processes the sample using electrophoresis to measure and identify different hemoglobin forms. Additional genetic testing may be needed if the result is unclear.
How do I prepare for the test?
No fasting or special preparation is usually necessary. Tell your clinician if you have recently received a blood transfusion, because donor red blood cells can affect the interpretation of the results.
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.
An abnormal electrophoresis pattern may indicate a hemoglobin variant, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or another inherited blood condition. Some variants are benign, while others can cause anemia or other health problems. Results should be interpreted with your blood count, medical history, and other laboratory tests by your clinician.
Short name
Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose sickle cell disease or thalassemia?
Does a normal result rule out every inherited blood disorder?
Can I take this test if I recently had a blood transfusion?
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