: Hemoglobin, Whole Blood, Qualitative, Electrophoresis
: This test separates and identifies the different types of hemoglobin in a whole blood sample to detect abnormal hemoglobins such as hemoglobin S, C, or variants seen in thalassemia.
[": Hemoglobin electrophoresis helps identify abnormal hemoglobin types that can cause anemia or other blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4617-7
- Short code
- Hgb O-Arab Bld Ql Elph Acid
- Synonyms
- Hgb O-Arab Bld Ql Elph Acid
- 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
- Method
- electrophoresis-ph
- 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 This Test Measures
: Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This test uses electrophoresis, a technique that separates hemoglobin proteins by their electrical charge, allowing the laboratory to see whether normal hemoglobin (such as hemoglobin A) is present and whether abnormal types are present.
: Why It Is Ordered
: Your clinician may order this test if you have anemia that is unexplained, a family history of an inherited blood disorder, or symptoms such as fatigue, paleness, or episodes of pain. It can help evaluate conditions like sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: A small sample of whole blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is processed in the laboratory to separate and identify the hemoglobin bands. No special preparation is typically required unless your care team tells you otherwise.
: Understanding Your Results
: Results describe which hemoglobin types are present and whether an abnormal pattern is seen. Your clinician interprets these findings together with your blood counts, symptoms, and family history. Ask your care team to explain what your specific pattern means for you.
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.
: Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a key screening and diagnostic tool for inherited hemoglobin disorders. Identifying abnormal hemoglobins can guide monitoring, genetic counseling, and treatment decisions, and it helps distinguish among causes of anemia.
Short name
: Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
: Does this test require fasting?
: Is hemoglobin electrophoresis the same as a complete blood count?
: Can this test diagnose 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